Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said the Secretary of Defense will receive an update on efforts to support the Afghan forces besides meeting with senior officials and US forces based in the country.

“#SecDef arrives in Afghanistan to visit troops, receive an update on efforts to support Afghan security forces & meet with senior officials,” Cook said in a Twitter post.

According to reports, Carter will also meet with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani this afternoon.

The visit by Carter comes as the US forces have stepped up counter-terrorism efforts by supporting the Afghan forces.

The US forces in Afghanistan conduct regular airstrikes to support the Afghan forces in their fight against the Taliban militants and insurgents belonging to other militant groups including the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group.

The Obama administration granted broader role to the US forces to conduct counter-terrorism raids amid concerns that the militant groups are attempting to expand foothold in the country.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/us-defense-secretary-makes-unannounced-visit-to-afghanistan-02445/feed0US congress extends SIV program for Afghans with 1,500 additional visashttp://www.khaama.com/us-congress-extends-siv-program-for-afghans-with-1500-additional-visas-02444
http://www.khaama.com/us-congress-extends-siv-program-for-afghans-with-1500-additional-visas-02444#commentsFri, 09 Dec 2016 05:48:49 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72467 Read the full article...]]>The United States Congress has reportedly extended the visa program for the Afghans to be resettled for helping the US mission in the country.

According to reports, the measure passed by the Congress also allows an additional 1,500 Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) for the Afghan nationals facing severe threats.

However, the renewal of the program imposes more eligibility restrictions amid concerns that the renewal will not be enough considering the number of the pending applications which is around 13,000.

Rep. Doris Matsui said “I’m pleased that we have taken a step forward by extending the program.”

However, she said it doesn’t go far enough, insisting that there’s a need for more visas and resettlement help for the Afghans.

Matsui further added that more than 10,000 Afghans and their families have applied to use the visa program, and advocates say the additional 1,500 visas in the bill falls far short of the need.

This comes as a Senate panel, Appropriations Committee, decided late in June this year to grant 4,000 more visa to Afghans who have helped the coalition forces.

Earlier, the Senate Armed Services Committee opposed to extend or authorizing new visa for the Afghan Special Immigration Visa Program.

The United States Department of State expressed concerns regarding the decision by the Senate Armed Services Committee for not extending or authorizing new visa for the Afghan Special Immigration Visa Program.

A spokesperson for the State Department, John Kirby, told reporters in mid-May “I do want to note that the department’s disappointed that the Senate Armed Services Committee did not extend or authorize new visas for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program.”

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) the earthquake started 30km Northeast of Pul-e-Alam district of Logar province with the location recorded 10:01:59 (UTC) Location having a depth of 10.0km and magnitude of 4.9.

This comes as a relatively powerful earthquake jolted Kabul city in mid-November with the United States Geological Survey reporting a magnitude 5.3 earthquake in northeastern Badakhshan province of Afghanistan.

USGS said then that the earthquake started 40km South of Jurm district with the location recorded 36.500°N 70.822°E having a depth of 192.8 km.

The apital Kabul and some other provinces of the country was jolted nearly six months ago having a Richter scale of 5.4 magnitude.

A powerful earthquake jolted Afghanistan including capital Kabul in the month of October with Richter scale recorded at 7.5 magnitude.

At least 115 people lost their lives and over 500 others were reported to have sustain injuries with damages reported to at least 4,000 houses.

of the quake.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/relatively-severe-earthquake-jolts-kabul-02442/feed0India approves MoU with Afghanistan on Space Technology Cooperationhttp://www.khaama.com/india-approves-mou-with-afghanistan-on-space-technology-cooperation-02441
http://www.khaama.com/india-approves-mou-with-afghanistan-on-space-technology-cooperation-02441#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 09:41:08 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72454 Read the full article...]]>The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and Afghanistan on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space during the Union Cabinet meeting, it has been reported.

According to the local media reports, the MoU envisages cooperation between the two countries for application of space technologies in education, agriculture, weather forecasting, telecommunications, rural health, sanitation, urban development, resource mapping navigation, remote sensing and any other areas mutually agreed upon.
The benefits of the MoU according to local media are development of space sector in Afghanistan and making it self-reliant in space sector Burnish India’s credentials as a nation with advanced space technology which can assist other countries.

Deepen bilateral ties and mutual understanding and trust between both countries, according to MoU.
It also added that India will be provided foothold in Afghanistan’s strategic space and communication sector and to boost high-tech jobs in both countries in both core Science & Technology and R&D fields, and also the field of implementation.

India has remained one of the key donors for the reconstruction of Afghanistan following the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001.

Since 2002, the Government of India has committed USD 2 billion dollars to the socio-economic rebuilding of the Afghan state and society in accordance with the development priorities of the Government and the people of Afghanistan.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/india-approves-mou-with-afghanistan-on-space-technology-cooperation-02441/feed0First phase of Dar-ul-Aman Palace restoration completedhttp://www.khaama.com/first-phase-of-dar-ul-aman-palace-restoration-completed-02440
http://www.khaama.com/first-phase-of-dar-ul-aman-palace-restoration-completed-02440#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 07:41:48 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72451 Read the full article...]]>The first phase of the restoration work of the historic Dar-ul-Aman Palace has been completed as President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said he is hopeful that the restoration work completes as soon as possible.

Hailing the speedy work being done for the restoration of the Palace, President Ghani said he is hopeful that the Palace is restored soon so that the historic Palace can be used for the hospitality of the high level foreign guest.

He was speaking during the 5th high council meeting of the urban development organized in the Palace.

President Ghani further added that the Palace will also be turned into a national museum once the restoration is completed.

The Minister of Urban Development and Housing Syed Sadat Mansoor Naderi said the first phase of the restoration work which included scaffolding and cleaning has been completed.

Minister Naderi further added that the female engineers and workers also contributed for the completion of the first phase of the restoration work.

The restoration of the Palace was officially inaugurated by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah late in the month of May.

President Ghani said the reconstruction of the Palace will be done with the available national resources, insisting that the renovation of the Palace is wanted by the whole nation.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/first-phase-of-dar-ul-aman-palace-restoration-completed-02440/feed0Foreigner ISIS recruiter killed in East of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/foreigner-isis-recruiter-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-02439
http://www.khaama.com/foreigner-isis-recruiter-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-02439#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 07:24:27 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72448 Read the full article...]]>A foreigner militant recruiting for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group was killed during an operation of the Afghan security forces in eastern Nangarhar province.

According to the local security officials, the ISIS commander, identified as Aziz, was killed during an operation of the counter-terrorism forces in Khogyani district.

The officials further added that Aziz was in charge of a group of at least 10 ISIS loyalist and was actively recruiting for the terror group in Afghanistan.

The Afghan security forces seized some weapons, ammunition and other military kits during the operation, the officials added.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the loyalists of the terror group have not commented regarding the report so far.

This comes as the Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Tuesday that a commander of the terror group was killed during an operation in the restive Achin district.

Earlier, another commander of the terror group was killed in a US drone strike in the same district, the officials added.

Both the Afghan and US forces conducted regular strikes against the loyalists of the terror group in this province.

The increased raids, usually involving drone strikes, by the US forces followed a broader role granted by the Obama administration earlier this year.

The broader role was granted amid concerns that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to expand foothold in the country and turn the eastern Nangarhar province into a regional operational hub for its fighters.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/foreigner-isis-recruiter-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-02439/feed0Bagram suicide attack toll rises to 5 as another US soldier dies of woundshttp://www.khaama.com/bagram-suicide-attack-toll-rises-to-5-as-another-us-soldier-dies-of-wounds-02438
http://www.khaama.com/bagram-suicide-attack-toll-rises-to-5-as-another-us-soldier-dies-of-wounds-02438#commentsThu, 08 Dec 2016 05:12:54 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72446 Read the full article...]]>The death toll from a deadly suicide attack in Bagram airfield has increased to 5 as another US soldier succumbed to injuries he sustained in the attack.

The Department of Defense announced Wednesday that “Sgt. First Class Allan E. Brown, 46, of Takoma Park, Maryland, died Dec. 6 at Walter Reed National Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device in Bagram, Afghanistan, that occurred on Nov. 12.”

The Defense Department further added that Sgt. John W. Perry, 30, of Stockton, California, and Pfc. Tyler R. Iubelt, 20, of Tamaroa, Illinois, were earlier killed in the attack.

The two others killed on the day of the attack were US contractors and at least 17 others including 16 US soldiers and another soldier from Poland were wounded.

The Taliban militants group in Afghanistan claimed responsibility behind the attack with the reports suggesting that the suicide bomber was a former Taliban group member who had joined reconciliation process.

According to reports, the Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), had warned the US military at least twice before the incident.

Speaking after the conclusion of the meeting of North Atlantic Council with Resolute Support operational partner nations, Stoltenberg said “We have just finished a meeting on Afghanistan with our Resolute Support partners. And our commitments to Afghanistan’s security is strong and steadfast. At our Warsaw Summit, we agreed to sustain Resolute Support beyond 2016, to continue national funding of the Afghan Security Forces through 2020, and to work on our long-term political partnership and practical cooperation with Afghanistan.”

Stoltenberg further added “Today we reviewed the security situation in Afghanistan and we reaffirmed our mutual commitments. The situation in Afghanistan is and will remain difficult and tough. The Afghan Security Forces have taken many casualties, but they are defending the Afghan people with determination and courage and combating the enemy across the country. This year alone there have been eight major attempts to seize cities, all have failed. NATO will continue to train, advise and assist the Afghan forces through our Resolute Support Mission. Because we know that training local forces to fight terrorism and stabilise their country is the best way to project stability beyond our borders. This is part of the broad international support for Afghanistan. At the Brussels Conference in October, the international community committed a further fifteen billion dollars through 2020.”

He said “Minister Rabbani expressed Afghanistan’s appreciation for the continued support from the international community and he briefed us on his country’s ongoing reforms, which are linked to that support. It is essential that Afghanistan continues to pursue reforms and improve governance, to fight corruption, protect human rights and advance the peace process. This matters for the stability of Afghanistan and for our own security.”

Thanking his Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan, Ambassador Ismail Aramaz for his insights and commitment over the last two years, Stoltenberg, said “I can announce that his successor will be Ambassador Cornelius Zimmermann from Germany. He is an experienced diplomat who knows Afghanistan very well, and will continue our important work.”

]]>http://www.khaama.com/natos-commitments-to-afghanistans-security-is-strong-and-steadfast-stoltenberg-02437/feed0Afghanistan to profit $1 billion annually for transit from TAPI pipelinehttp://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-to-profit-1-billion-annually-for-transit-from-tapi-pipeline-02436
http://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-to-profit-1-billion-annually-for-transit-from-tapi-pipeline-02436#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 14:56:05 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72441 Read the full article...]]>Afghanistan will get more than $1 billion in profit only from the transit of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline once the project kicks off, it has been reported.

Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov quoted by Trend News agency has said “More than 12,000 jobs will be created for our Afghan brothers.”

The long delayed $10 billion Trans-Afghanistan gas pipeline was formally inaugurated last year with the state-run gas company – Turkmengaz, named project consortium leader for TAPI Pipeline Company Limited in August, working on the construction of the pipeline.

The United States government and Asian Development Bank will support the mega project that will run more than 700 km across Afghanistan on its way to Pakistan and India.

The pipeline is expected to last for 30 years with a proposed annual capacity of 33 bcm of gas which would be filled with gas from Turkmenistan’s mammoth Galkynysh field.

It is estimated that the gas pipeline will become operational once the construction work has been completed in December 2018.

The pipeline will run more than 700 km across Afghanistan on its way to Pakistan and India which would be filled with gas from Turkmenistan’s mammoth Galkynysh field, the world’s second-largest reservoir of natural gas.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-to-profit-1-billion-annually-for-transit-from-tapi-pipeline-02436/feed0‘Want dignified relations, not charity’, Ghani says after rejecting Pakistan’s $500mhttp://www.khaama.com/want-dignified-relations-not-charity-ghani-says-after-rejecting-pakistans-500m-02435
http://www.khaama.com/want-dignified-relations-not-charity-ghani-says-after-rejecting-pakistans-500m-02435#commentsWed, 07 Dec 2016 09:09:36 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72439 Read the full article...]]>President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said Wednesday that Afghanistan wants dignified relations with its neighbors and not charity, days after he rejected Pakistan’s $500 million aid during the Heart of Asia conference.

Speaking during a campaign held for the Afghan youths, President Ghani said “Afghanistan will live with dignity and will not ask for charity from anyone.”

His remarks were apparently aimed at the rejection of $500 million in aid pledged by Pakistan for the reconstruction of Afghanistan during the Brussels summit.

President Ghani further added that Afghanistan is not facing an internal conflict but is on the frontline of an international war.

He did not elaborate further regarding the international war being waged in the country but his remarks were apparently aimed at the ‘undeclared war’ term being frequently used by him to reflect Pakistan’s support to Afghan militant groups.

However, President Ghani said Afghanistan is currently at the center point of the international community attention and vowed that the country will be rebuilt, insisting that this will go ahead ‘whether the enemy likes or not’.

President Ghani said during his speech at the 6th Heart of Asia conference on Sunday that “Despite our intense engagement with Pakistan on bilateral and multilateral basis, the undeclared war – the name that I gave to the phenomenon in the winter 2014 – not only has not abated but also intensified during 2016, with special intensity right after the Brussels Conference.”

Citing a Taliban commander’s remarks about Pakistan, President Ghani said “As Mr. Kakazada, one of the key figures in the Taliban movement recently said, if they did not have sanctuary in Pakistan, they would not last a month.”

President Ghani insisted on the need for intense dialogue and engagement to resolve the issue, including fight against criminal economics, and an Asian and international regime, whatever acceptable, particularly, to Pakistan to verify cross-frontier activities and terrorist operations.

He also added “Thirdly, there is need for a fund to combat extremism. Pakistan has generously pledged 500 million dollars for reconstruction of Afghanistan. This fund, Mr. Aziz, could very well be used for containing extremism because without peace any amount of assistance will not meet the needs of our people. We have been balancing the opportunities and the threats. I am confident that focused, deliberate and systematic efforts can enable us to win a world and to make Afghanistan and Asia secure. Once again, thank you for your attention.”

]]>http://www.khaama.com/want-dignified-relations-not-charity-ghani-says-after-rejecting-pakistans-500m-02435/feed1714 militants killed in separate airstrikes of Afghan Air Force: MoDhttp://www.khaama.com/14-militants-killed-in-separate-airstrikes-of-afghan-air-force-mod-02434
http://www.khaama.com/14-militants-killed-in-separate-airstrikes-of-afghan-air-force-mod-02434#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 07:43:06 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72437 Read the full article...]]>At least 14 anti-government armed militants were killed in separate airstrike conducted by the Afghan Air Force in northern and southeastern parts of the country, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Wednesday.

At least 7 of the militants were killed during airstrikes in northern Kunduz province targeting militants in Hakim Bai and Bagh Sherkat villages, MoD said.

The Ministry further added that 7 more were killed in separate airstrike conducted in Zurmat district of Paktika province.

According to MoD, at least three Taliban militants were also wounded in the raids.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the reports so far.

Both Kunduz and Paktika provinces are among the relatively volatile provinces where the Taliban insurgents and militants belonging to other militant groups are actively operating in a number of its districts.

The insurgents belonging to the notorious Haqqani terrorist network are active in some districts of Paktika province.

The latest airstrikes came as the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) have launched new operations to counter the threats posed by the militant groups.

The new operations were launched amid ongoing annual offensive of the Afghan forces being conducted under the name of ‘Shafaq’ to eliminate the top leaders of the militants.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/14-militants-killed-in-separate-airstrikes-of-afghan-air-force-mod-02434/feed0Saudis financially support the Afghan Talibanhttp://www.khaama.com/saudis-financially-support-the-afghan-taliban-02433
http://www.khaama.com/saudis-financially-support-the-afghan-taliban-02433#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 07:28:11 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72435 Read the full article...]]>The Taliban militants receive financial support from the Saudis as the insurgency led by the group has entered to its 15th year with the group intensifying attacks since the Afghan forces took full security lead last year.

A former Taliban finance minister has told The New York Times that he traveled to Saudi Arabia for years raising cash while ostensibly on pilgrimage.

A former State Department adviser Valid Nisar also told the paper that the Taliban have also been allowed to raise millions more by extorting “taxes” by pressing hundreds of thousands of Pashtun guest workers in the kingdom and menacing their families back home.

The move by Saudis to financially support the group comes in contradiction with the Kingdom’s move to pursue the group to participate in peace talks with the Afghan government.

According to the Times, the Saudi intelligence once covertly mediated a peace effort that Taliban officials and others involved described in full to The Times for the first time.

Reports regarding Saudis support to Taliban come as the top US commander in Afghanistan General John Nicholson earlier said the Taliban connections to Russia and Iran are not advancing the cause of stability in the region.

Both Iran and Russia are concerned regarding the presence of ISIS loyalists in the country and have been allegedly helping and arming the Taliban in a bid to contain the influence of ISIS affiliates in Afghanistan and prevent it from threatening neighboring countries including central Asian states.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/saudis-financially-support-the-afghan-taliban-02433/feed0US cannot eliminate the Taliban or end violence in Afghanistan: Obamahttp://www.khaama.com/us-cannot-eliminate-the-taliban-or-end-violence-in-afghanistan-obama-02432
http://www.khaama.com/us-cannot-eliminate-the-taliban-or-end-violence-in-afghanistan-obama-02432#commentsWed, 07 Dec 2016 03:56:30 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72432 Read the full article...]]>The US President Barack Obama has said the United States cannot eliminate Taliban or end violence in Afghanistan.

In his speech on Administration’s approach to counterterrorism, Obama said he ‘don’t want to paint too rosy a picture’, admitting that the situation in Afghanistan is still tough.

“War has been a part of life in Afghanistan for over 30 years, and the United States cannot eliminate the Taliban or end violence in that country,” Obama said.

However, he said “But what we can do is deny al Qaeda a safe haven, and what we can do is support Afghans who want a better future, which is why we have worked not only with their military, but we’ve backed a unity government in Kabul.”

The US President further added that United States helped Afghan girls go to school.

“We’ve supported investments in health care and electricity and education. You have made a difference in Afghanistan, and America is safer for it,” he added.

He also added that “early decision to strengthen our efforts in Afghanistan allowed us to build the capacity of Afghans to secure and defend their own country.”

“ So today, there are less than 10,000 American troops in Afghanistan. Instead of being in the lead against the Taliban, Americans are now supporting 320,000 Afghan security forces who are defending their communities and supporting our counterterrorism efforts,” he said.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/us-cannot-eliminate-the-taliban-or-end-violence-in-afghanistan-obama-02432/feed1‘We will reconfirm strong commitment to Afghanistan’: Stoltenberghttp://www.khaama.com/we-will-reconfirm-strong-commitment-to-afghanistan-stoltenberg-02431
http://www.khaama.com/we-will-reconfirm-strong-commitment-to-afghanistan-stoltenberg-02431#respondTue, 06 Dec 2016 13:17:11 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72430 Read the full article...]]>The NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday that the alliance will reconfirm strong commitment to Afghanistan during the alliance’s foreign ministerial in Brussels.

“The ministerial will close with a meeting on Afghanistan and our Resolute Support mission. We will reconfirm our strong commitment to Afghanistan’s security and we will get an update on the government’s reform agenda, which is essential for Afghanistan’s long-term stability and prosperity,” Stoltenberg said.

The NATO Secretary General further added “Today and tomorrow, NATO’s Foreign Ministers will address some of the security challenges we are all facing and we will do that by addressing a wide range of the issues but at the core of the meeting is the importance of the transatlantic bond, the bond between Europe and North America. One way of strengthening the bond between North America and Europe is by strengthening the cooperation between NATO and EU. And we have a momentum now when it comes to NATO-EU cooperation. In July, I signed a Joint Declaration with Presidents Tusk and Juncker and at the meeting today we will decide how we turn that declaration into concrete action.”

Stoltenberg said Monday that the alliance will discuss the progress made in boosting the capacity of their neighbours to the east and to the south, including our support to the Counter-ISIL Coalition, training of Iraqi officers, and alliance’s new Operation Sea Guardian in the Mediterranean.

He said NATO has many years of experience in projecting stability in the Western Balkans and in Afghanistan.

This comes as the Secretary General said late in October that the presence of the loyalists of the Islamic State Of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Afghanistan is underlining the importance of the NATO in the country.

“Our presence in Afghanistan, NATO’s biggest military operation ever is, of course, part of our efforts to fight international terrorism and we also see an ISIL present in Afghanistan which is just underlining the importance of our presence there.”

The remarks by Stoltenberg came as the US officials earlier expressed concerns regarding the attempts by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant also known as the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) terrorist group to expand foothold in Afghanistan.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/we-will-reconfirm-strong-commitment-to-afghanistan-stoltenberg-02431/feed0Coordinated Taliban attack foiled in Arghistan district of Kandaharhttp://www.khaama.com/coordinated-taliban-attack-foiled-in-arghistan-district-of-kandahar-02430
http://www.khaama.com/coordinated-taliban-attack-foiled-in-arghistan-district-of-kandahar-02430#respondTue, 06 Dec 2016 10:34:18 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72428 Read the full article...]]>A coordinated attack by the Taliban militants was repulsed by the Afghan security forces in southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan.

Local officials said the attack was launched by scores of Taliban insurgents on Arghistan district which was repulsed after several hours of intense gun battle.

Provincial governor’s spokesman Samim Khpolwak confirmed the attack and said the Taliban insurgents suffered heavy casualties in the clash.

He said the Taliban militants suffered heavy casualties during the clash but did not provide further information regarding the exact number.

According to Khpolwak, an Afghan policeman also lost his life during the clash but other sources are saying that 3 policemen were killed.

The Taliban militants group has no commented regarding the incident so far.

This comes as scores of civilians were killed during a gun battle between the Afghan forces and the Taliban insurgents in Nish district last week.

Local security officials said, over 20 civilians were killed along with at least 29 militants during the 4-day clash in this district.

Provincial police spokesman Zia Durani said the Taliban insurgents were forced to leave the district after around 100 additional forces were deployed to the area.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/coordinated-taliban-attack-foiled-in-arghistan-district-of-kandahar-02430/feed0Dostum says committed to promises made to President Ghanihttp://www.khaama.com/dostum-says-committed-to-promises-made-to-president-ghani-02429
http://www.khaama.com/dostum-says-committed-to-promises-made-to-president-ghani-02429#commentsTue, 06 Dec 2016 09:09:24 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72426 Read the full article...]]>The First Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum says he remains committed to the promises made to President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani for serving the Afghan nation, more than a month after serious accusations led to rift among the two top leaders of the country.

In his speech during a meeting of Junbish Milli Party, Dostum said his recent criticisms were aimed at bring further reforms in the system and putting an end to the current shortages.

The Office of the President, ARG Palace, slammed the First Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum for his recent remarks accusing President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah of nepotism.

The ARG Palace issued a statement late in October to react towards Dostum’s remarks which he made following an operation led by him in northern Jawzjan province.

The statement further added that the remarks are against the First Vice President and his position considering the current situation where Gen. Dostum is involved in key decision making institutions, including the cabinet and national Security Council.

The statement further added that a comprehensive probe by judiciary institutions is required to prove the remarks by the First Vice President or true or false and steps should be taken in accordance with the enforced laws of the country.

It also added that the government is obliged to answer to the complaints of the people who have been subjected to misbehaviour and crimes during the recent war by the Taliban and other parties involved in the conflict.

Dostum had accused President Ghani of nepotism and slammed Chief Executive Abdullah for being an incapable leader.

Speaking to a gathering in northern Jawzjan province following a military operation led by him, Gen. Dostum said President Ghani prefers those speaking Pashto and individuals belonging to his province are even more important to him.

Gen. Dostum further added the Chief Executive Abdullah is an incapable leader and has lost his fame among the Tajiks of the country despite he ethnically a Tajik.

“I support Afg gov recent position against Pak. A.Ghani rejection of Paki’s doubl-face policy is a positive step, n not tolerable,” Nabil said in a Twitter post.

Nabil has long been criticizing Pakistan for supporting the Afghan insurgency and released several confidential documents by obtained by Afghan intelligence to prove the country’s role in the ongoing violence in the country.

“Despite our intense engagement with Pakistan on bilateral and multilateral basis, the undeclared war – the name that I gave to the phenomenon in the winter 2014 – not only has not abated but also intensified during 2016, with special intensity right after the Brussels Conference,” President Ghani said during his speech at the 6th Heart of Asia conference on Sunday.

Citing a Taliban commander’s remarks about Pakistan, President Ghani said “As Mr. Kakazada, one of the key figures in the Taliban movement recently said, if they did not have sanctuary in Pakistan, they would not last a month.”

President Ghani insisted on the need for intense dialogue and engagement to resolve the issue, including fight against criminal economics, and an Asian and international regime, whatever acceptable, particularly, to Pakistan to verify cross-frontier activities and terrorist operations.

He also added “Thirdly, there is need for a fund to combat extremism. Pakistan has generously pledged 500 million dollars for reconstruction of Afghanistan. This fund, Mr. Aziz, could very well be used for containing extremism because without peace any amount of assistance will not meet the needs of our people. We have been balancing the opportunities and the threats. I am confident that focused, deliberate and systematic efforts can enable us to win a world and to make Afghanistan and Asia secure. Once again, thank you for your attention.”

]]>http://www.khaama.com/ex-afghan-intelligence-chief-supports-ghanis-stance-against-pakistan-02428/feed7ISIS commander among 2 killed in East of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/isis-commander-among-2-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-02427
http://www.khaama.com/isis-commander-among-2-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-02427#respondTue, 06 Dec 2016 07:39:07 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72422 Read the full article...]]>A commander of the loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group was killed along with another militant in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defense said the two militants were killed in the restive Achin district.

No further details were given by the ministry and it is yet not clear if the militants were killed in Afghan forces raid or US airstrike.

This comes as at least 2 loyalists of the terror group were killed in a US drone strike in Achin district last week.

Both the Afghan and US forces conducted regular strikes against the loyalists of the terror group in this province.

The increased raids, usually involving drone strikes, by the US forces followed a broader role granted by the Obama administration earlier this year.

The broader role was granted amid concerns that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to expand foothold in the country and turn the eastern Nangarhar province into a regional operational hub for its fighters.

The deputy house speaker of the Afghan parliament Zahir Qadir earlier warned that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to establish the Khurasan Caliphate in Afghanistan and are busy expanding their presence in some of the difficult terrains of the country.

Speaking during a session of the parliament late in the month of October, Qadir warned that the group will become successful in establishing the caliphate if they managed to seize control of Tora Bora in Nangarhar.

The provincial government media office said the operations were conducted in Garamser and Nahr-e-Saraj districts.

The statement further added that 38 Taliban insurgents including some commanders of the group were killed in the raids.

Several weapons and a number of the facilities being used by the group were also destroyed in the raids.

No further details were given regarding the casualties of the security forces during the operations.

The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.

Helmand is among the volatile provinces in southern Afghanistan where the Taliban insurgents are actively operating in a number of its districts.

The group has launched numerous attacks in this province during the year with the local officials saying that the growing raids were aimed at establishing a council in this province.

However, the officials said the Afghan forces managed to repulse the Taliban attacks and thwarted their plans to shift some of their leadership council members to Helmand.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/taliban-militants-suffer-heavy-casualties-in-helmand-air-and-ground-raids-02426/feed0NATO to reaffirm support to Afghanistan during foreign ministerial: Stoltenberghttp://www.khaama.com/nato-to-reaffirm-support-to-afghanistan-during-foreign-ministerial-stoltenberg-02425
http://www.khaama.com/nato-to-reaffirm-support-to-afghanistan-during-foreign-ministerial-stoltenberg-02425#respondMon, 05 Dec 2016 12:03:37 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72416 Read the full article...]]>The NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the NATO Foreign Ministerial will kick off on Tuesday with the Foreign Ministers of the alliance to discuss Afghanistan on Wednesday.

“On Wednesday, we will meet with Afghan Foreign Minister Rabbani, to reaffirm our commitment to supporting Afghans to secure their own country, and to review Afghanistan’s reforms, which are linked to continued international support,” Stoltenberg said.

He said “NATO’s presence in Afghanistan demonstrates our long-term commitment to the fight against terrorism. It is helping to stabilise the region and stem the flow of migrants and refugees.”

According to Stoltenberg, the alliance will will discuss the progress made in boosting the capacity of their neighbours to the east and to the south, including our support to the Counter-ISIL Coalition, training of Iraqi officers, and alliance’s new Operation Sea Guardian in the Mediterranean.

He said NATO has many years of experience in projecting stability in the Western Balkans and in Afghanistan.

The Secretary General said late in October that the presence of the loyalists of the Islamic State Of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Afghanistan is underlining the importance of the NATO in the country.

“Our presence in Afghanistan, NATO’s biggest military operation ever is, of course, part of our efforts to fight international terrorism and we also see an ISIL present in Afghanistan which is just underlining the importance of our presence there.”

The remarks by Stoltenberg came as the US officials earlier expressed concerns regarding the attempts by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant also known as the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) terrorist group to expand foothold in Afghanistan.

No group including the Taliban insurgents has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.

Zabul is among the relatively volatile provinces in southern where the anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents actively operate and often conduct insurgency activities.

There are also reports suggesting the loyalists of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group are attempting expand foothold in this province.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/zabul-governor-and-mayor-escape-gunmen-attack-in-south-of-afghanistan-02424/feed0Russia reacts to US plans to purchase Blackhawks for Afghan Air Forcehttp://www.khaama.com/russia-reacts-on-us-plans-to-purchase-blackhawks-for-afghan-air-force-02423
http://www.khaama.com/russia-reacts-on-us-plans-to-purchase-blackhawks-for-afghan-air-force-02423#respondMon, 05 Dec 2016 03:29:11 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72411 Read the full article...]]>The Russian special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov has the replacement of the Afghan Air Force inventory with the US-made Blackhawk helicopters will be hard and will require more time and investment.

Insisting that Moscow is doubtful regarding the plan, Kabullov said only the training of the pilots for Blackhawks will require at least 4 years.

“Can Afghanistan wait for four years. I think there is not enough time available,” Kabulov was quoted as saying by the State-run news agency, Sputnik News.

This comes as the United States Department of Defense (DoD) has reportedly requested funding to refurbish and update at least 53 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

A spokesman for DoD, Adam Stump, told Reuters “The Department of Defence has determined that procuring U.S.-made helicopters is a more sustainable long-term solution to meet the requirements.”

According to the paper, the $814 million request, made in a budget amendment submitted this month, would also provide money for other new attack aircraft for the Afghans.

It would help push the total funding for Afghan security forces to $4.2 billion for 2017, surpassing the $1.2 billion requested for arming and supporting local forces in Iraq and Syria.

Stump further added that the delivery of the helicopters will begin within two years once the Congress approves the funding.

The budget also requests funding for 30 additional armed MD-530 attack helicopters, six A-29 fixed wing close attack aircraft and five AC-208 aircraft for the Afghan air force.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/russia-reacts-on-us-plans-to-purchase-blackhawks-for-afghan-air-force-02423/feed0US drone strike kill 2 ISIS militants in east of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/us-drone-strike-kill-2-isis-militants-in-east-of-afghanistan-02422
http://www.khaama.com/us-drone-strike-kill-2-isis-militants-in-east-of-afghanistan-02422#respondSun, 04 Dec 2016 13:39:40 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72408 Read the full article...]]>At least 2 loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed in a US drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The provincial police commandment in a statement said the two militants were killed in the restive Achin district.

The local officials further added that the ordinary civilians did not suffer any casualties in the raid.

The loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group have not commented regarding the report so far.

Both the Afghan and US forces conducted regular strikes against the loyalists of the terror group in this province.

The increased raids, usually involving drone strikes, by the US forces followed a broader role granted by the Obama administration earlier this year.

The broader role was granted amid concerns that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to expand foothold in the country and turn the eastern Nangarhar province into a regional operational hub for its fighters.

The deputy house speaker of the Afghan parliament Zahir Qadir earlier warned that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to establish the Khurasan Caliphate in Afghanistan and are busy expanding their presence in some of the difficult terrains of the country.

Speaking during a session of the parliament late in the month of October, Qadir warned that the group will become successful in establishing the caliphate if they managed to seize control of Tora Bora in Nangarhar.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/us-drone-strike-kill-2-isis-militants-in-east-of-afghanistan-02422/feed0Prominent ISIS leader killed in North of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/prominent-isis-leader-killed-in-north-of-afghanistan-02421
http://www.khaama.com/prominent-isis-leader-killed-in-north-of-afghanistan-02421#respondSun, 04 Dec 2016 12:26:07 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72405 Read the full article...]]>A prominent leader of the loyalists of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group was killed during a clash with the security forces in northern Jawzjan province of Afghanistan.

According to the local officials, the senior ISIS leader, identified as Mohammad Nasir, was killed after launching an attack on the security forces check posts in Darzab district.

District administrative chief Rahmatullah Hashar confirmed the report and said at least two members of the terror group were also wounded during the clashes.

He said additional forces have also been sent to the area to repulse the attack by ISIS loyalists.

The loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group have not commented regarding the report so far.

This comes as the First Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum said earlier in October this year that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group plans to deploy at least 7,000 fighters in northern parts of the country.

Gen. Dostum made the remarks upon his arrival in northern Faryab province to supervise counter-terrorism operations following the fall of Ghormach district last week.

He said the ISIS terrorist group is attempting to deploy foreign militants mainly citizens of Syria, Iraq, Lebannon, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Chechnya.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/prominent-isis-leader-killed-in-north-of-afghanistan-02421/feed0Plans underway to connect Afghanistan-India via air transport corridor: Modihttp://www.khaama.com/plans-underway-to-connect-afghanistan-india-via-air-transport-corridor-modi-02419
http://www.khaama.com/plans-underway-to-connect-afghanistan-india-via-air-transport-corridor-modi-02419#respondSun, 04 Dec 2016 07:43:10 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72397 Read the full article...]]>The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that plans are underway to connect Afghanistan with India through air transport corridor.

In his speech during the opening of the 6th Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar, Prime Minister Modi identified four key issues in supporting Afghanistan, beginning with an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled process.

Second, he said, we must demonstration strong collective will to defeat terror networks that cause bloodshed and spread fear.

“Terrorism and externally induced instability pose the gravest threat to Afghanistan’s peace, stability and prosperity. And, the growing arc of terrorist violence endangers our entire region. As such, support for voices of peace in Afghanistan alone is not enough. It must be backed by resolute action. Not just against forces of terrorism but also against those who support, shelter, train and finance them,” Modi said.

Modi further added that “Third, our bilateral and regional commitments of material assistance for Afghanistan’s development needs must continue and increase.”

He also highlighted the issue of connectivity, saying “We see Afghanistan as the hub for strengthening links of connectivity btw South Asia & Central Asia.”

Modi spoke of the numerous projects under the partnership, from the Friendship Dam to Parliament building, capacity building, health and more as he reaffirmed India’s absolute and unwavering support to Afghan nation, Modi said.

The Indian Prime Minister also added “I hope that your deliberations will produce pathways of action that promote cooperation in place of conflict and security in place of terrorism.”

Concluding his remarks at the conference inauguration, Modi said “Let us re-dedicate ourselves to making Afghanistan a Geography of Peace Heart of Asia.”

]]>http://www.khaama.com/plans-underway-to-connect-afghanistan-india-via-air-transport-corridor-modi-02419/feed0Ghani: Undeclared war intensified in 2016, urges Pakistan for real fight against terrorhttp://www.khaama.com/ghani-undeclared-war-intensified-in-2016-urges-pakistan-for-real-fight-against-terror-02418
http://www.khaama.com/ghani-undeclared-war-intensified-in-2016-urges-pakistan-for-real-fight-against-terror-02418#commentsSun, 04 Dec 2016 07:07:04 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72395 Read the full article...]]>President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said Sunday that the undeclared war imposed on the Afghan nation intensified in 2016, specifically after the conclusion of the major Brussels summit on Afghanistan.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Heart of Asia summit in Amritsar India, President Ghani urged Pakistan to take real steps in the fight against terrorism.

President Ghani warned that around 30 terrorist groups are attempting to establish permanent presence and foothold in the country as he called for a joint effort to identify the cross-border terrorism.

In other parts of his speech, President Ghani pointed towards the need for the dialogue to tackle the economic criminals in the region.

He said the criminal networks open doors for major crimes in the region that will boost the regional instability.

President Ghani also spoke regarding the economic potential of Afghanistan, insisting that the country has a great potential to attract investment in energy sector which is a sign that Afghanistan will move forward.

He said Afghanistan plays key role in regional connectivity and pointed towards the inauguration of the railway between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, emphasizing that a reduction in transit costs will have a positive impact on the lives of the people.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/ghani-undeclared-war-intensified-in-2016-urges-pakistan-for-real-fight-against-terror-02418/feed1Afghan teen arrested over alleged rape and murder of a girl in Germanyhttp://www.khaama.com/afghan-teen-arrested-over-alleged-rape-and-murder-of-a-girl-in-germany-02417
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-teen-arrested-over-alleged-rape-and-murder-of-a-girl-in-germany-02417#respondSun, 04 Dec 2016 06:23:11 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72392 Read the full article...]]>A teenage Afghan migrant has reportedly been arrested by the authorities in Germany over alleged rape and murder of a university student.

According to the officials, the 17-year-old asylum seeker was taken into custody on suspicion he raped and killed a 19-year-old university student.

The officials further added that the teen asylum-seeker was identified as a suspect based on traffic video from near the crime scene.

Dieter Inhofer, prosecutor in the southwestern city of Freiburg, quoted by DPA news agency, said DNA evidence has tied the boy to the crime scene. He was living in the area with a family.

According to the student vanished on her way home from a party early on Oct. 16. Her body was found in a river later that day.

This comes as an Afghan man seeking asylum in Germany has allegedly raped a 4-year-old Iraqi boy at an asylum center in the town of Boostedt in the northern Schleswig-Holstein state.

The 22-year-old was discovered in the toilet cubicle earlier in August this year by the child’s father, after he spotted his son’s shoes outside the door alongside an adult pair.

However, the Afghan man denied the charges against him, saying that the young boy only asked him to open the toilet door for him, after which he simply left the loos and went away.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/afghan-teen-arrested-over-alleged-rape-and-murder-of-a-girl-in-germany-02417/feed0Important to end terror for stability in Afghanistan: Modihttp://www.khaama.com/important-to-end-terror-for-stability-in-afghanistan-modi-02416
http://www.khaama.com/important-to-end-terror-for-stability-in-afghanistan-modi-02416#respondSun, 04 Dec 2016 05:33:59 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72390 Read the full article...]]>The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday that the elimination of terror is important to bring stability in Afghanistan.

Modi made the remarks during a meeting with the foreign ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Afghanistan, Slovakia, and Pakistan’s foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz.

The Indian Prime Minister further insisted it was the collective responsibility of all those in the region to work together to help Afghanistan out of its current difficulties.

Modi further added that the Afghan people were tired of the continuing violence and terrorism, pointing towards his several interactions with both the common people of Afghanistan and the country’s leadership, according to India’s External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

Swarup further added that Prime Minister Modi also stressed on “the need to end terrorism and violence for fostering stability, security and development in Afghanistan and our region.”

Accordng to Swarup, the Foreign Ministers in their turn agreed on the need to end violence in Afghanistan, sharing Prime Minister Modi’s view that Afghanistan’s stability, security and prosperity are integral to the region.

The meeting was organized ahead of the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia Istanbul Process on Afghanistan in Amritsar.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/important-to-end-terror-for-stability-in-afghanistan-modi-02416/feed0Trump vows support to help unearth Afghanistan’s massive natural resourceshttp://www.khaama.com/trump-vows-support-to-help-unearth-afghanistans-massive-natural-resources-02415
http://www.khaama.com/trump-vows-support-to-help-unearth-afghanistans-massive-natural-resources-02415#commentsSat, 03 Dec 2016 15:30:43 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72387 Read the full article...]]>The president-elect of the United States Donald Trump vowed support under his upcoming administration to help unearth Afghanistan’s massive natural resources which include some of the world’s rare earth elements.

Trump made the commitment during a tlelphone conversation with the Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.
Trump said Afghanistan has considerable natural resources and his administration will be prepared to assist Afghanistan in this sector.

He said Afghanistan has a great potential in economic development and the country’s natural resources can play a key role in this regard.

President Ghani and Trump also discussed security issues and other regional issues including fight against terrorism, the Office of the President, ARG Palace, said.

In his turn, Trump pledged support to review Kabul’s requirements in security related issues and assist the Afghan government accordingly.

ARG Palace said the US President-elect Donald Trump invited President Ghani to visit the United States so that the issues of the bilateral interest can be discussed.

President Ghani promised to visit the United States and in his turn invited Trump to visit Afghanistan which was welcomed with Trump saying he will visit the US forces as well as the Afghan officials as soon as there is an opportunity for the visit.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/trump-vows-support-to-help-unearth-afghanistans-massive-natural-resources-02415/feed1Afghan Air Force going to continue to grow, says top US commanderhttp://www.khaama.com/afghan-air-force-going-to-continue-to-grow-says-top-us-commander-02414
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-air-force-going-to-continue-to-grow-says-top-us-commander-02414#respondSat, 03 Dec 2016 12:43:21 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72385 Read the full article...]]>The Afghan Air Force will continue to grow in the coming years as efforts are underway to increase the capabilities of the Afghan forces air power.

The remarks were made by the top US commander in Afghanistan General John Nicholson who is leading the US forces in Afghanistan and the NATO-led Resolute GEN.

Nicholson said the growth and progress made by Afghan forces in the past year is also due to the 17,000-member special operations force, which operates independently of the U.S. military 80 percent of the time, and the rapidly growing capability of the Afghan air force, Nicholson said.

“They are not only adding attack aircraft,” he said of the Afghan forces, “They’re adding the capability to control those aircraft on the ground.”

Nearly 20 aircrews have been added to the Afghan air force complement since their first A-29 Super Tucano strike combat mission in April, Nicholson said, adding, “The [Afghan] air force is going to continue to grow over the next few years and into the future.”

Since the start of the Taliban’s campaign in April, Afghan forces have prevented them from accomplishing their strategic objectives, he said.

“They’ve been unable to mass because of air power, both Afghan and coalition air power,” Nicholson said, “and they resorted to small-scale attacks on checkpoints around cities in attempts to isolate the cities and create panic.”

According to the local government officials, the clashes took place in Nish district between the Afghan forces and the Taliban insurgents.

Provincial police spokesman Zia Durani said the Taliban insurgents were forced to leave the district after around 100 additional forces were deployed to the area.

He said at least 29 Taliban insurgents were also killed during the clashes along with 4 policemen.

The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.

This comes as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said late in October that the mission has documented 8,397 conflict-related civilian casualties (2,562 deaths and 5,835 injured) between 1 January and 30 September, representing a one per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2015. Ground engagements remained the leading cause of civiliancasualties, followed by suicide and complex attacks, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“Increased fighting in densely populated areas makes it imperative for parties to take immediate steps to ensure all feasible precautions are being taken to spare civilians from harm,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/civilians-suffer-heavy-casualties-in-afghan-forces-taliban-clashes-in-kandahar-02413/feed0Taliban publicly execute university student in Wardak provincehttp://www.khaama.com/taliban-publicly-execute-university-student-in-wardak-province-02412
http://www.khaama.com/taliban-publicly-execute-university-student-in-wardak-province-02412#respondSat, 03 Dec 2016 06:12:08 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72378 Read the full article...]]>The Taliban insurgents have publicly executed a university student in Maida Wardak province, located near capital Kabul in central parts of the country.

The student was reportedly hanged to death after accusing him of working for the government.

According to reports, the university student was on his way to meet his family when he was captured by Taliban.
The group has not commented regarding the execution of the student so far.

This is not the first time the group has abducted and executed innocent civilians on charges of working for the government.
Taliban insurgents are frequently establishing check posts on the main highways in the restive provinces to abduct the civilians.
Numerous kidnapping incidents of the passengers have taken place in the remote and restive provinces with the largest incident taking place in northern Kunduz province few months earlier.
The loyalists of the Islamic of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group also kidnap civilians and killed at least civilians in western Ghor province last month after abducting them to avenge the killing of one of their commanders.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/taliban-publicly-execute-university-student-in-wardak-province-02412/feed0Afghan forces put to test and prevailed during 2016 fighting season: Gen. Nicholsonhttp://www.khaama.com/afghan-forces-put-to-test-and-prevailed-during-2016-fighting-season-gen-nicholson-02411
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-forces-put-to-test-and-prevailed-during-2016-fighting-season-gen-nicholson-02411#respondSat, 03 Dec 2016 05:35:30 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72375 Read the full article...]]>The top US commander in Afghanistan General John Nicholson said the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) were put to the test and prevailed during the 2016 fighting season.

Gen. Nicholson who is also in command of the NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission, said the Afghan forces went into 2016 with a campaign plan in hand, compared to the year before when they reacted to enemy activity.

The Afghans developed a sustainable security strategy, the general said, and used “a fight-hold-disrupt strategy, so it identified areas of the population that they would hold, areas that they would fight for, and then other areas where they would do an economy of force and merely disrupt the enemy.”

“This ability to deal with simultaneous crises … is a sign of an army that’s growing in capability, [and] that’s maturing in terms of its ability to handle simultaneity and complexity on the battlefield,” he said.

“When I look at my security assessment at the end of 2016 going forward,” the general said, “I believe that what we’re seeing right now is what I would call an equilibrium … that’s in favor of the [Afghan] government.”

The Afghan forces are busy in conducting counter-terrorism operations across the country after they launched the annual “Shafaq” operation in response to Taliban’s annual spring offensive.

The Afghan government opted to adopt a strict military option against the group after efforts failed to end the violence through reconciliation.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/afghan-forces-put-to-test-and-prevailed-during-2016-fighting-season-gen-nicholson-02411/feed0Trump speaks with Ghani, vows to work closely to counter terrorism threatshttp://www.khaama.com/trump-speaks-with-ghani-vows-to-work-closely-to-counter-terrorism-threats-02410
http://www.khaama.com/trump-speaks-with-ghani-vows-to-work-closely-to-counter-terrorism-threats-02410#respondSat, 03 Dec 2016 03:54:06 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72371 Read the full article...]]>The US President-elect Donald Trump spoke with the Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani to discus issues of bilateral interest, including the joint fight against terrorism, it has been reported.

The Trump transition team informed regarding the discussions between President Ghani and President-elect Trump, according to Reuters.

“The two men discussed the grave terrorism threats facing both countries and pledged to work more closely together in order to meet these growing threats,” the Trump transition team said in a statement.

The Presidential Palace, ARG, has not commented regarding the report so far.

President Ghani congratulated Trump for his victory in the US presidential election earlier last month, expressing hopes that the relations between the nations will further improve under his administration.

The Office of the President, ARG Palace, in a statement said the United States is one of the key strategic partners of the Afghan government in the fight against terrorism and in the development of the country.

The Republican candidate Donald Trump was elected the new US President after he revived the required 270 electoral votes to be declared the winner of the elections.

The US Ambassador to Afghanistan Michael McKinley earlier said the presidential election in United States will not affect the policies of Washington in Afghanistan and the bilateral pacts available between the two countries.

“Today I was asked many times what the impacts of these elections would be on US-Afghanistan relations and my answer is always the same, America’s long term commitment to our partnership with Afghanistan was renewed this year in Warsaw and Brussels. The US Afghan relationship will remain strong and and close because it is based not anyone election, leader or party on our common interests, our people to people ties, our shared values that so deeply rooted,” Ambassador McKinely said.

He also added that a new administration will take shape but “you can be assured that Afghanistan will remain at the highest levels of our foreign policy agenda.”

]]>http://www.khaama.com/trump-speaks-with-ghani-vows-to-work-closely-to-counter-terrorism-threats-02410/feed0Magnetic bomb explosion leaves 3 wounded in Kabul cityhttp://www.khaama.com/magnetic-bomb-explosion-leaves-3-wounded-in-kabul-city-02409
http://www.khaama.com/magnetic-bomb-explosion-leaves-3-wounded-in-kabul-city-02409#respondFri, 02 Dec 2016 13:42:13 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72367 Read the full article...]]>At least 3 people were wounded in a magnetic bomb explosion in West of Kabul city earlier this evening, security officials said.

The officials further added that the incident took place in the 3rd police district of the city after a magnetic bomb planted in a police vehicle went off in Golayi Dawa Khana area of the city.

No group including the Taliban insurgents has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.

This comes as two rockets landed in the vicinity of key diplomatic area in Shashdarak area of the city late on Wednesday night.

The officials confirmed Thursday that the rocket attack did not incur any casualties to the local residents or security forces.

Earlier, a deadly suicide attack targeted a mosque in the west of Kabul city ten days ago, leaving at least 32 people dead and scores of others wounded.

The loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group claimed responsibility behind the attack.

The attack on Baqir-ul-Olum mosque took place almost one and half month after a similar attack ripped through a shrine in Kabul city, leaving at least 18 dead and several others wounded.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/magnetic-bomb-explosion-leaves-3-wounded-in-kabul-city-02409/feed0Key district fully cleared of ISIS militants, Nangarhar officials claimhttp://www.khaama.com/key-district-fully-cleared-of-isis-militants-nangarhar-officials-claim-02407
http://www.khaama.com/key-district-fully-cleared-of-isis-militants-nangarhar-officials-claim-02407#respondFri, 02 Dec 2016 04:26:33 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72360 Read the full article...]]>The key Pacher Agam district has been fully cleared of the loyalists of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group, the local officials said.

The officials further added that the operations were jointly conducted by the Afghan National Police, Public Order Police, Local Police, Border Police, and the Afghan intelligence operatives.

The Afghan forces also confiscated various types of light and heavy weapons including rockets, rocket launchers, and landmines during the operations, the officials added.

The local security officials said the clearance operations will continue until Nangarhar province is fully cleared of ISIS militants.

The loyalists of the terror group have not commented regarding the report so far.

The operations were launched amid concerns that the ISIS loyalists have been attempting to gain foothold in the strategic Pacher Agam district in a bid to expand their presence and operations in this province.

The deputy house speaker of the Afghan parliament Zahir Qadir earlier warned that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to establish the Khurasan Caliphate in Afghanistan and are busy expanding their presence in some of the difficult terrains of the country.

Speaking during a session of the parliament late in the month of October, Qadir warned that the group will become successful in establishing the caliphate if they managed to seize control of Tora Bora in Nangarhar.

He said the loyalists of the terror group have managed to take control of a strategic area in Pacher Agam district.

According to Qadir, the area is a few hundred meters away from Tora Bora and the loyalists of the terror group will become successful if their attempts if they managed to expand foothold in Tora Bora.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/key-district-fully-cleared-of-isis-militants-nangarhar-officials-claim-02407/feed0Ghani pays tribute to top Afghan army General killed in helicopter crashhttp://www.khaama.com/ghani-pays-tribute-to-top-afghan-army-general-killed-in-helicopter-crash-02405
http://www.khaama.com/ghani-pays-tribute-to-top-afghan-army-general-killed-in-helicopter-crash-02405#respondThu, 01 Dec 2016 09:33:06 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72354 Read the full article...]]>The Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani paid tribute to top Afghan army General Muhiuddin Ghori who was killed in a helicopter crash in West of Afghanistan.

President Ghani attended the funeral ceremony of Gen. Ghori in wetern Herat province of Afghanistan.
A number of other high level officials, including the Minister of Defense, Minister of Interior, and the intelligence chief attended the funeral ceremony.

Calling Gen. Ghori a brave general of the Afghan National Army, President Ghani said it was a sad day for the country.

Gen. Ghori was the commander of the 207th Corps of the Afghan National Army who lost his life in helicopter crash which took place due to technical issues in Mori Chaq district.

According to the local officials, the incident took place as the helicopter was landing in the area, leaving the General dead and some other high level officials wounded.

He was a prominent army general who had major achievements in counter-terrorism operations including for his role in the fight against the Taliban insurgents in Kunduz city last year.

Gen. was appointed as head of 20th Pamir Army Division following the fall of Kunduz city last year and had a key role in coordinating operations to retake the city.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/ghani-pays-tribute-to-top-afghan-army-general-killed-in-helicopter-crash-02405/feed0Foreigner ISIS commander killed in East of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/foreigner-isis-commander-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-02404
http://www.khaama.com/foreigner-isis-commander-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-02404#respondThu, 01 Dec 2016 06:53:58 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72352 Read the full article...]]>A commander of the loyalists of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group was killed in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

According to the local security officials, the ISIS commander has been identified as Mujaid who was in command of a group of at least 20 ISIS fighters.

The officials further added that Mujahid was killed during an operation in Achin district.

The operation was conducted late on Wednesday night, the officials said, adding that the security forces and the local residents did suffer any casualties during the clashes.

The loyalists of the terror group have not commented regarding the report so far.

This comes as the Afghan forces are busy conducting counter-terrorism operations I some key districts where the loyalists of the terror group are active.

Local officials said Wednesday that the strategic Pacher Agam district was cleared during the ongoing operations.

The ISIS loyalists have been attempting to gain foothold in the strategic Pacher Agam district in a bid to expand their presence and operations in this province.

The deputy house speaker of the Afghan parliament Zahir Qadir earlier warned that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to establish the Khurasan Caliphate in Afghanistan and are busy expanding their presence in some of the difficult terrains of the country.

The Office of the President, ARG Palace, in a statement said “President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani met with Acting US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ms. Laura Miller this morning in Arg.”

The statement further added “In this meeting, Ms. Laura Miller discussed the situation in the region, Afghanistan and Pakistan ties and her work in this regard.”

Speaking about the war that is organized and imposed on Afghanistan from the outside, the President said that the foreign management of war in Afghanistan is clear to all and cannot be hidden anymore.

President Ghani further added that “Our people, the original victims of terrorism, do not have patience for terrorist attacks and wars organized and imposed on them from the outside.” He added that if this imposed war continues, we will not only continue to defend our country and people but also seek alternative ways and take action.

President Ghani underscored that Afghanistan has made considerable progress in the area of transit, and is freed from the constraints imposed by one transit route and neediness to a country.

He said the government of Afghanistan will continue its planned efforts to foster economic and commercial development, and regional cooperation.

Security sources confirmed that the rockets landed between Pul-e-Mahmood Khan area and Shash Darak but no casualties have been reported so far.

A security official in the Ministry of Interior confirmed that the rockets landed in the vicinity of Maslakh area in Shashdarak and the area has been cordoned off by the security forces.

No group has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.

This comes as a deadly suicide attack targeted a mosque in the west of Kabul city ten days ago, leaving at least 32 people dead and scores of others wounded.

The loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group claimed responsibility behind the attack.

The attack on Baqir-ul-Olum mosque took place almost one and half month after a similar attack ripped through a shrine in Kabul city, leaving at least 18 dead and several others wounded.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/explosions-heard-in-kabul-amid-reports-2-rockets-landed-key-diplomatic-area-02401/feed0Afghan forces clear strategic Pacher Agam district of ISIS militantshttp://www.khaama.com/afghan-forces-clear-strategic-pacher-agam-district-of-isis-militants-02400
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-forces-clear-strategic-pacher-agam-district-of-isis-militants-02400#respondWed, 30 Nov 2016 13:16:42 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72338 Read the full article...]]>The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) cleared the strategic Pacher Agam district of the loyalists of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group.

The provincial police commandment in a statement said at least 17 loyalists of the terror group were killed or wounded during the latest counter-terrorism operations.

The statement further added that the dead bodies of numerous ISIS militants were left in the area and several weapons and ammunition belonging to the terror group were confiscated.

At 13 ISIS militants were killed and 4 other were wounded during the operations, the statement said, adding that 6 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) were also discovered seized by the Afghan forces.

The statement also added that the Afghan forces rescued at least two civilians who were kept as hostage by the loyalists of the terror group.

The loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group have not commented regarding the report so far.

The ISIS loyalists have been attempting to gain foothold in the strategic Pacher Agam district in a bid to expand their presence and operations in this province.

The deputy house speaker of the Afghan parliament Zahir Qadir earlier warned that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to establish the Khurasan Caliphate in Afghanistan and are busy expanding their presence in some of the difficult terrains of the country.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/afghan-forces-clear-strategic-pacher-agam-district-of-isis-militants-02400/feed0MoI releases picture of teenage bomber arrested in Sharana city of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/moi-releases-picture-of-teenage-bomber-arrested-in-sharana-city-of-afghanistan-02399
http://www.khaama.com/moi-releases-picture-of-teenage-bomber-arrested-in-sharana-city-of-afghanistan-02399#respondWed, 30 Nov 2016 12:53:35 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72334 Read the full article...]]>The Ministry of Interior (MoI) released the picture of the suicide bomber who was arrested in Sharana city, the provincial capital of southeastern Paktika province of Afghanistan.

MoI said the suicide bomber was arrested during a special military operation conducted by the special forces of the Afghan National Police (ANP) late on Tuesday evening.

The ministry further added that the bomber was arrested from a guesthouse and a suicide bombing vest was confiscated.

The bomber has been identified as Abdul Bari son of Akhtar Gul who is originally a resident of Machlagho village in Ahmadabad district.

No further details were given regarding the potential target of the suicide bomber but the local officials earlier said the suicide bomber has confessed he was trained in the neighboring Pakistan.

The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the report so far.

Paktika is among the relatively peaceful provinces in southeastern Afghanistan but the anti-government armed militants often conduct insurgency activities in some parts of the province.

The Taliban insurgents and militants belonging to Haqqani terrorist network are active in some remote districts of Paktika.

The Afghan intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), said the suspect has been identified as Maruf son of Taj Mohammad and was involved in various terrorist activities including rocket attack on the largest US base in Bagram.

NDS further added that Rauf is the brother of Mawlavi Bashir, the former shadow deputy governor of the Taliban for Parwan.

The provincial police commandment said the militants suffered casualties during the operations in Pacher Agam district as the Afghan forces raided the hideouts of the terror group in Kargar Khel, Azar Khel, and Musa Khel areas.

The provincial security officials further added that the dead bodies of at least 8 of the militants were left in the area besides several weapons were confiscated by the Afghan forces.

This comes as the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said Tuesday at least 25 loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed during the joint military operations of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said “Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched a joint clearance operation in the Pachiragam district of eastern Nangarhar province.”

The statement further added “As a result of this joint operation, 21 Daesh terrorists were killed and 11 other Daesh terrorists were wounded.”

The clearance operation still continues in insecure villages of Pachiragam district, MoI said, adding that four Daesh terrorists were killed during an air raid in the Ghazi Khil village, Pachiragam district of eastern Nangarhar province.

The loyalists of the terror group have not commented regarding the report so far.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/isis-militants-suffer-heavy-casualties-in-afghan-forces-operations-02396/feed0162 arrested in Kabul over murder and other criminal activitieshttp://www.khaama.com/162-arrested-in-kabul-over-murder-and-other-criminal-activities-02395
http://www.khaama.com/162-arrested-in-kabul-over-murder-and-other-criminal-activities-02395#respondWed, 30 Nov 2016 04:50:57 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72323 Read the full article...]]>At least 162 individuals were arrested in connection to murder and other criminal activities in capital Kabul, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said.

The suspects were arrested during the operations of the police forces in the past two weeks.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said at least 4 people were arrested in connection to two separate armed robbery cases and 27 others were held in connection to 15 various robbery incidents.

MoI further added that 4 suspects were arrested in connection to 8 murder incidents while 23 suspects were arrested over smuggling and sale of illicit drugs.

Seven more people were arrested over land grabbing, 2 suspects were held over kidnapping charges, and 2 more individuals were arrested for attempted murder and threatening the capital residents to death.

According to MoI, 2 individuals were arrested over rape charges, 3 were held over looting, and 7 others were arrested over 5 different violent incidents involving the beating of individuals.

The ministry also added that 88 others were arrested over various other criminal activities including pick pocketing, smuggling and trade of alcoholic beverages, and forgery.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/162-arrested-in-kabul-over-murder-and-other-criminal-activities-02395/feed0Afghan govt reacts on Taliban’s commitment to protect public welfare projectshttp://www.khaama.com/afghan-govt-reacts-on-talibans-commitment-to-protect-public-welfare-projects-02394
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-govt-reacts-on-talibans-commitment-to-protect-public-welfare-projects-02394#respondWed, 30 Nov 2016 04:00:03 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72319 Read the full article...]]>The Afghan government reacted towards Taliban’s statement where the group vowed to protect the public welfare projects, questioning the group’s stance and challenging them to practically prove they will not harm the public sites and projects.

Murtazvi further added that the group has incurred a loss of almost AFN2 billion during this period to the government and Afghan people.

The group in its statement said Tuesday that they will protect public welfare projects including TAPI, CASA 1000, Ainal Copper Mine, Railway, and other transit routes and electrical projects.

The group also instructed its fighter to protect the public welfare projects and assist in providing security to the projects which provide benefits to the country.

This comes as the group has been accused of incurring the majority of civilian casualties besides they are blamed for the majority of the destruction of the public private properties of the Afghan people.

United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan released the latest civilian casualties report late last month which stated at least 3726 civilians were killed or wounded between January and June of this year.

The UN mission said the civilian casualties in the country has reached to a record number since counting began in 2009, with 5,166 civilians recorded killed or maimed in just the first six months of this year, of whom almost one-third were children.

The total civilian casualty figure recorded by the UN between 1 January 2009 and 30 June 2016 has risen to 63,934, including 22,941 deaths and 40,993 injured.

According to the UN mission, the anti-government elements remain responsible for 60 percent of the civilian casualties with ground engagements continuing to cause the highest number of civilian casualties, followed by complex and suicide attacks and improved explosive devices (IEDs).

]]>http://www.khaama.com/afghan-govt-reacts-on-talibans-commitment-to-protect-public-welfare-projects-02394/feed0Top Afghan army general killed in helicopter crash, NATO offer condolenceshttp://www.khaama.com/top-afghan-army-general-killed-in-helicopter-crash-nato-offer-condolences-02393
http://www.khaama.com/top-afghan-army-general-killed-in-helicopter-crash-nato-offer-condolences-02393#respondTue, 29 Nov 2016 16:12:59 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72312 Read the full article...]]>A top General of the Afghan National Army (ANA) forces was killed in a helicopter crash in western Badghis ‌province of Afghanistan.

The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission issued a statement to offer the alliance’s condolences regarding the tragic loss of the top army general in the incident.

“Deputy Commander, Resolute Support, Lieutenant General Sandy Storrie, offered condolences to the family of Afghan National Army General Muhayuddin Ghori, commander of the 207th Zafar Corps after the helicopter in which he was riding crashed late today,” the alliance said in a statement.

“On behalf of the men and women of Resolute Support, we offer our condolences to General Ghori’s family, to his soldiers, and to the people of Afghanistan. We also mourn the loss of others on the aircraft and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. General Ghori worked tirelessly to create a safe, stable Afghanistan and his legacy of excellence and service to his nation will live on.”

Officials in the Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan confirmed that Gen. Ghori lost his life in the crash which took place due to technical issues in Mori Chaq district.

The officials further added that the incident took place as the helicopter was landing in the area, leaving the General dead and some other high level officials wounded.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/top-afghan-army-general-killed-in-helicopter-crash-nato-offer-condolences-02393/feed0Efforts underway to provide mortgage facilities in Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/efforts-underway-to-provide-mortgage-facilities-in-afghanistan-02392
http://www.khaama.com/efforts-underway-to-provide-mortgage-facilities-in-afghanistan-02392#respondTue, 29 Nov 2016 12:34:48 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72310 Read the full article...]]>Efforts are underway to provide mortgage facilities for the residents of the country as the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing is busy to resolve the housing issues being faced by the residents of the country.

The latest attempts to provide mortgage facilities to pave the way for the smooth sale and purchase of the properties comes as the country witnessed an unprecedented hike in properties values since the fall of the Taliban regime, putting the ordinary citizens of the country in a difficult situation to procure houses and properties.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, said Tuesday that negotiations are underway for the facilitation of mortgage to enable the citizens of the country to purchase property on long term loans.

The Minister of Urban Development and Housing Syed Sadat Mansoor Naderi met with the representatives of the Central Bank and National Bank of Afghanistan to discuss ways for the facilitation of mortgage.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, the representatives of the two banks welcomed the proposal for the facilitation of mortgage for the citizens of the country.

The ministry further added that the mortgage facility will help the citizens of the country to borrow funds from the two banks and refund the loans on a long term basis agreement which would help them to purchase properties and houses, including the properties being offered as part of the affordable housing scheme.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/efforts-underway-to-provide-mortgage-facilities-in-afghanistan-02392/feed0Taliban militants execute 2 including a woman in North of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/taliban-militants-execute-2-including-a-woman-in-north-of-afghanistan-02391
http://www.khaama.com/taliban-militants-execute-2-including-a-woman-in-north-of-afghanistan-02391#respondTue, 29 Nov 2016 11:44:28 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72308 Read the full article...]]>The Taliban militants executed at least two militants including a woman in North of Afghanistan

Local officials in northern Jawzjan province said the two individuals were executed in Aqcha district.

Provincial police chief Abdul Hafiz Khashi said the militants stormed into the house of the victim and murdered the two individuals including the woman.

He said the militants managed to flee the area after killing the couple. The latest incident involving the murder of the couple in Jawzjan comes as there has been there has been there has been a sharp rise in violence against women in the country.

A young girl in Kabul was shot by me of her relatives in Kabul last week.

At least three women were shot dead by unknown gunmen who were riding a motorcycle in western Herat province of Afghanistan around two weeks ago.

The officials said the main motive behind the murder is not clear and search operation is underway to arrest the perpetrators.

Earlier, a woman shot by her in-law’s family after she attempted to elope with her love in Ghor province of Afghanistan. Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/taliban-militants-execute-2-including-a-woman-in-north-of-afghanistan-02391/feed021 militants killed in air and ground raids of Afghan forces in Nangarharhttp://www.khaama.com/21-militants-killed-in-air-and-ground-raids-of-afghan-forces-in-nangarhar-02390
http://www.khaama.com/21-militants-killed-in-air-and-ground-raids-of-afghan-forces-in-nangarhar-02390#respondTue, 29 Nov 2016 07:33:03 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72305 Read the full article...]]>At least 21 militants were killed in a series of air and ground operations in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said the operations were conducted in Pacher Agam district.

The provincial police commandment said earlier this week this a clearance operation is underway to eliminate the loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group in the area.

The local security officials said at least 30 militants of the terror group were killed in the operations, including the shadow judge of the terror group.

However, the Ministry of Defense (MoD), in a statement said Monday that 44 militants of the terror group were killed along with the shadow judge.

The operations in Pacher Agam were launched amid concerns that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to move towards the Tora Bora mountainous region in a bid to fortify their presence in the region.

The deputy house speaker of the Afghan Parliament Zahir Qadir earlier warned that serious efforts are underway by the loyalists of the terror group to establish the Khurasan Caliphate.

The operations have apparently been launched following Qadir’s comments after he alleged that the loyalists of the terror group have seized several strategic points in Pacher Agam which is close to Tora Bora.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/21-militants-killed-in-air-and-ground-raids-of-afghan-forces-in-nangarhar-02390/feed0Funding requested to update 53 Blackhawk helicopters for Afghan forceshttp://www.khaama.com/funding-requested-to-update-53-blackhawk-helicopters-for-afghan-forces-02389
http://www.khaama.com/funding-requested-to-update-53-blackhawk-helicopters-for-afghan-forces-02389#respondTue, 29 Nov 2016 07:17:45 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72301 Read the full article...]]>The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has reportedly requested funding to refurbish and update at least 53 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), it has been reported.

A spokesman for DoD, Adam Stump, told Reuters “The Department of Defence has determined that procuring U.S.-made helicopters is a more sustainable long-term solution to meet the requirements.”

According to the paper, the $814 million request, made in a budget amendment submitted this month, would also provide money for other new attack aircraft for the Afghans.

It would help push the total funding for Afghan security forces to $4.2 billion for 2017, surpassing the $1.2 billion requested for arming and supporting local forces in Iraq and Syria.

Stump further added that the delivery of the helicopters will begin within two years once the Congress approves the funding.

The budget also requests funding for 30 additional armed MD-530 attack helicopters, six A-29 fixed wing close attack aircraft and five AC-208 aircraft for the Afghan air force.

The decision to replace Russian helicopters with Blackhawks was made following efforts by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).

“This long overdue step—which I repeatedly advocated— will rightly provide the Afghan military with American helicopters from Sikorsky rather than lesser quality Russian products,” Blumenthal said. “It’s good news for Connecticut’s economy and jobs, and equally good for our national security. Millions of American dollars should never have gone to Russia for Mi-17 helicopters instead of Sikorsky Blackhawks—a travesty that will now be stopped.”

For more than a decade, the DoD has supplied the ANDSF with Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters, but ongoing sanctions resulting from Russian aggression have beleaguered the program and halted the flow of aircraft, parts, and supplies.

Afghan Air Force maintainers completed the first 600-hour aircraft inspection in country, including the post-inspection engine run, on an A-29 Super Tucano Nov. 23, 2016, at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan.

This 600-hour inspection is a significant achievement for the AAF maintainers as they were able to use their recent qualifications to complete the maintenance with minimal contractor assistance.

“Having the Afghans complete major inspections in country will be key to their sustainability, and I was impressed with their efforts and enthusiasm to learn and complete such a complex task,” said Scott Stover, A-29 contractor site lead.

A milestone has been reached in the buildup of the latest fixed-wing combat squadron for the AAF. Maintenance graduates from initial A-29 training at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., have worked together with their contractor trainers and U.S. Air Force advisors to gain critical skills to maintain and employ this aircraft–which has been here less than a year.

A major inspection on the A-29 involves many separate inspections. Over the past three weeks, the maintainers took an in-depth look at the airframe and aircraft systems, including the flight controls, landing gear and avionics packages. The inspection is required preventative maintenance to ensure the aircraft is reliable until the next scheduled major inspection.

A single A-29 typically flies multiple combat sorties in a day, and major inspections minimize malfunctions between flights.

“Many aspects of the Afghan Air Force technicians’ backgrounds are parallel to our own,” said Tech. Sgt. Ralph Wellington Jr., A-29 advisor. “They come from various parts of their country and a variety of professions, all with one goal in mind–serving their country and working toward peace for their families.”

Wellington said many of the Afghan maintainers were prior maintainers on C-130s, C-27s, or helicopters. Combined, they have decades of experience to bring to the A-29 program.

“It’s this experience which has enabled them to rapidly learn the advanced systems, and in turn, impart that knowledge to their peers in their own language,” said Capt. Andrew Johnson, 440th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, fixed wing operations officer. “This feat is impressive since it’s done under a high ops-tempo generating combat missions, both here and at forward operating locations.”

AAF Brig. Gen. Shafi Noori, Kabul Air Wing Maintenance Group commander, was at the engine run to congratulate his maintainers’ efforts.

“You’ve worked tirelessly learning a lot of information and your ability to complete this inspection means today is a very special day for us,” said Shafi through an interpreter.

The Afghan maintainers will continue working with their contractor trainers and Train, Advise, Assist Command-Air (TAAC-Air) advisors with the goal of sustaining the A-29 fleet independently.

“Our mission under TAAC-Air is to train, advise, and assist in order to help build a professional, capable, and sustainable Afghan Air Force,” said Maj. Elbert M. Waters IV, 440th AEAS commander. “The commitment of the Afghans working with the A-29s is a testament to how far they have come, and how far they will go. Understanding that air worthiness cannot be achieved and maintained without dedicated preventative maintenance is key. This historical moment identifies that these maintainers get it…and are all in…in this fight against the insurgency and in the fight to build a stronger Afghanistan.”

This article was originally published by the US Air Forces Central Command by By Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Marino, 438th Air Expeditionary Wing

Presidential spokesman, Haroon Chakhanuri, confirmed that President Ghani arrived in Mazar-e-Shari city this evening.

According to the officials, President Ghani has visited the province to review the performance of the local government.

The officials further added that President Ghani will meet with the local government officials and the civil society activists.

President Ghani inaugurated the Asian International Railway during a special ceremony organized in Turkmenabad area of Turkmenistan together with his Turkmen counterpart President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.

The Presidential Palace, ARG, said the leaders of the two countries arrived to the Afghan side of the railway for the inauguration of the second phase of the project.

According to a statement by ARG Palace, the two leaders arrived in Aqina port using the same railway after its first phase was inaugurated in Turkmenistan side.

The Afghan officials are optimistic to find new routes to connect to Central Asia and other world markets with the inauguration and opening of new transit routes.

Speaking during the inauguration of the first phase of the railway in Turkmenistan, President Ghani inauguration of the railway connects Afghanistan with Turkmenistan as he hoped that the country will be connected via railway networks with Iran in the West and some other regional countries, including India.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/ghani-arrives-in-mazar-to-review-balkh-governments-performance-02386/feed0Top ISIS leader among 44 killed in Nanghar province of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/top-isis-leader-among-44-killed-in-nanghar-province-of-afghanistan-02385
http://www.khaama.com/top-isis-leader-among-44-killed-in-nanghar-province-of-afghanistan-02385#respondMon, 28 Nov 2016 13:57:42 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72287 Read the full article...]]>A top leader of the loyalists of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group was killed along with at least 43 other militants in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said the militants were killed during the joint military operations conducted by the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces.

MoD further added that the operations were conducted in Pacher Agam district of Nangarhar and Deh Bala.

According to MoD, a shadow judge of the terror group was among those killed and has been identified as Muftauddin.

In the meantime, the provincial police commandment, said over 30 militants of the terror group were killed and several weapons and ammunition were destroyed.

The loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group have not commented regarding the report so far.

The ISIS loyalists have been attempting to gain foothold in the strategic Pacher Agam district in a bid to expand their presence and operations in this province.

The deputy house speaker of the Afghan parliament Zahir Qadir earlier warned that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to establish the Khurasan Caliphate in Afghanistan and are busy expanding their presence in some of the difficult terrains of the country.

Speaking during a session of the parliament late last month, Qadir warned that the group will become successful in establishing the caliphate if they managed to seize control of Tora Bora in Nangarhar.

He said the loyalists of the terror group have managed to take control of a strategic area in Pacher Agam district.

According to Qadir, the area is a few hundred meters away from Tora Bora and the loyalists of the terror group will become successful if their attempts if they managed to expand foothold in Tora Bora.

The Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan (MoD) said the incident took place in Ghani Khel district as the militants were busy preparing the suicide attack vests.

MoD further added that another Taliban insurgent was also wounded in the explosion.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

This is not the first time the anti-government armed militants have been killed by their own explosives.

At least two militants were killed in an explosion triggered by own explosives in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan last week.

The anti-government armed militants including the Taliban insurgents frequently use Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as the weapon of their choice to target the security forces and government officials.

However, in majority of such incidents the ordinary civilians are targeted besides incurring casualties to the security forces.

Earlier, a Taliban group commander was killed in an explosion triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by the group’s own fighters in northern Kunduz province of Afghanistan.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/suicide-attack-vest-explosion-leaves-8-taliban-militants-dead-02384/feed2Young girl shot dead by a relative in Kabul cityhttp://www.khaama.com/young-girl-shot-dead-by-a-relative-in-kabul-city-02383
http://www.khaama.com/young-girl-shot-dead-by-a-relative-in-kabul-city-02383#respondMon, 28 Nov 2016 10:10:09 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72282 Read the full article...]]>A young girl was shot dead by in Kabul city earlier today with preliminary reports suggesting the girl was shot dead by one of her relatives. Security officials in Kabul police confirmed that the girl was shot dead near a high school located in Bagh-e-Raees in the 7th police district of the city.

The officials further added that the murder apparently has links with the domestic violence.

According to the officials, the culprit was caught the security forces soon after he shot the girl dead and was attempting to escape.

The latest incident involving the murder of the young girl in Kabul comes as the rate of violence against women has been on the rise across the country.

At least three women were shot dead by unknown gunmen who were riding a motorcycle in western Herat province of Afghanistan around ten days ago.

The officials said the main motive behind the murder is not clear and search operation is underway to arrest the perpetrators.

Earlier, a woman shot by her in-law’s family after she attempted to elope with her love in Ghor province of Afghanistan.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/young-girl-shot-dead-by-a-relative-in-kabul-city-02383/feed06 militants arrested after infiltrating among Afghan forces in Kandaharhttp://www.khaama.com/6-militants-arrested-after-infiltrating-among-afghan-forces-in-kandahar-02382
http://www.khaama.com/6-militants-arrested-after-infiltrating-among-afghan-forces-in-kandahar-02382#respondMon, 28 Nov 2016 07:12:01 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72278 Read the full article...]]>At least six militants have been arrested after they managed to infiltrate among the Afghan forces to conduct insurgency by disguising as security personnel.

The provincial government media office in a statement said the militants were arrested by the operatives of the provincial intelligence department, National Directorate of Security (NDS).

The statement further added that the militants had managed to join the Afghan National Army and Afghan Border Police forces.

According to the local officials, the militants have in the past killed a number of the religious clerics, government officials, and tribal elders.

The Afghan intelligence operatives launched a covert operation to identify the militants who were arrested based on a tip off, the officials said.

The local officials also added that the detained individuals have confessed that they were working for the anti-government armed militants and have carried out numerous attacks in different districts of Kandahar.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/6-militants-arrested-after-infiltrating-among-afghan-forces-in-kandahar-02382/feed02 ISIS suicide bombers arrested in Kabul cityhttp://www.khaama.com/2-isis-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-kabul-city-02381
http://www.khaama.com/2-isis-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-kabul-city-02381#respondMon, 28 Nov 2016 06:41:42 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72275 Read the full article...]]>Two suicide bombers recruited by the loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were arrested by the Afghan intelligence operative in Kabul city.

The Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), said the two young men were arrested from the vicinity of the 5th police district of the city.

A statement by NDS said the two men have been identified as Jalil Ahmad son of Syed Ahmad and Hamid son of Aminullah.

The statement further added that the two men were arrested before the terrorist group deploy them to Nangarhar for further trainings.

The detained individuals have confessed that they were recruited by a commander of the terror group Mullah Abdul Latif in western Heart province of Afghanistan.

The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the report so far.

This comes as the terror group claimed responsibility behind numerous attacks in Kabul city during the recent months with the latest attack taking place on a Shi’ite mosque, leaving several people dead or wounded.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/2-isis-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-kabul-city-02381/feed0Afghan and Turkmen presidents formally inaugurate Asian International Railwayhttp://www.khaama.com/afghan-and-turkmen-presidents-formally-inaugurate-asian-international-railway-02380
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-and-turkmen-presidents-formally-inaugurate-asian-international-railway-02380#respondMon, 28 Nov 2016 06:15:54 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72270 Read the full article...]]>The Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani inaugurated the Asian International Railway during a special ceremony organized in Turkmenabad area of Turkmenistan.

Calling the inauguration of railway as ‘historic’, President Ghani said the Afghan government remains committed to turn all the bordering provinces of the country into major economic hubs.

President Ghani further added that the inauguration of the railway connects Afghanistan with Turkmenistan as he hoped that the country will be connected via railway networks with Iran in the West and some other regional countries, including India.

In his turn, the Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow said the inauguration of the railway is a major achievement.

Berdimuhamedow said the Imamnazar-Akina terminal could a play key role for the traders, specifically the oil traders as modern equipments have been installed in the port.

The Turkmen President further added that the terminal can hold around 500 tons of trade commodities and will be a big success for the oil traders.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani arrived in Turkmenabad area on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by high delegation to join his Turkmen counterpart for the inauguration of the railway.

The Afghan government has stepped up efforts to open new transit routes for the country with the first ever cargo train from China arriving in the main Hairtan port located in North of Afghanistan in the month of September.

The construction of a railway line between Afghanistan and Iran officially kicked off near the western Herat province of Afghanistan in the month of September this year.

The railway line will be established from Iran to Ghoryan district and will further go towards Zindjan district and Herat Airport.

Earlier this year the leaders of Afghanistan, India and Iran signed the Chabahr port agreement in Tehran, the capital city of Iran.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/afghan-and-turkmen-presidents-formally-inaugurate-asian-international-railway-02380/feed0US airstrike kill 7 ISIS militants in East of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/us-airstrike-kill-7-isis-militants-in-east-of-afghanistan-02379
http://www.khaama.com/us-airstrike-kill-7-isis-militants-in-east-of-afghanistan-02379#respondMon, 28 Nov 2016 05:21:12 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72267 Read the full article...]]>At least 7 loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed in an airstrike carried out by US forces in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

According to the local security officials, the airstrike took place on Sunday afternoon in Haska Mina district.

The officials further added that three militants of the terror group were also wounded in the airstrike.

Several weapons and ammunition belonging to the terror group were also destroyed in the airstrike in the airstrike, the officials said.

The officials also added that the airstrike did not incur any casualties to the local residents.

The loyalists of the terror group have not commented regarding the report so far.

Both the Afghan and US forces conducted regular strikes against the loyalists of the terror group in this province.

The increased raids, usually involving drone strikes, by the US forces followed a broader role granted by the Obama administration earlier this year.

The broader role was granted amid concerns that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to expand foothold in the country and turn the eastern Nangarhar province into a regional operational hub for its fighters.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/us-airstrike-kill-7-isis-militants-in-east-of-afghanistan-02379/feed0Trump and Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/trump-and-afghanistan-02378
http://www.khaama.com/trump-and-afghanistan-02378#commentsMon, 28 Nov 2016 03:43:59 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72264 Read the full article...]]>President Elect Donald Trump hasn’t talked too much about Afghanistan, but what is clear is his frustration with the current American foreign policy. From his disdain of the United States’ role in NATO, Middle East and Trade deals, we can discern some guiding notions his foreign policy will work under. He has criticized the NATO alliance, notably the reliance NATO members have on the United States. NATO being arguably the most important alliance that tilts the power struggle in favour of western nations, is relatively significant more to Western Europe than it is United States. Especially with Russia’s increased aggression in Eastern Europe. If President Elect Trump gradually isolates its self from the world, then the ramifications will undoubtedly be felt by Western Europe. The ramifications on Western Europe may also weaken the support they have for Afghanistan; this can also be dependent on Russia’s motives in Afghanistan.

In the Middle East the President Elect is simply elongating the concerns that many experts have been voicing for many years now, which is: why is the United States engaged in contradicting policies that cancel each other out? Saudi Arabia is an example, which illustrates the inherent contradiction in the U.S.’s outlook on the Middle East. If it has been conclusively proven that Saudi Arabia has funded terror networks, whether it is through charities or other funds, then why hasn’t there been any measures against them? It is unfathomable to many that the U.S. is engaging in battle against proxies that are financially supported by Saudi Arabia. With respect to Afghanistan, Pakistan enjoys the same partiality from the U.S. and President Elect has touched upon on this contradictory policy.

There has been a gradual consensual understanding that the major culprit in the worsening security situation in Afghanistan is Pakistan. With the new Trump administration, the money flowing to Pakistan will dry up and basically the only options that will be left for Pakistan would be to either become disenfranchised with the global order and become a rogue state or a cooperative partner for sustainable peace in Afghanistan. Either way there will be some drastic changes in American-Afghan relations and the government of Afghanistan should prepare.

For the citizens of Afghanistan Trump’s presidency should be viewed from a positive light, the Obama administration was an extension of the Bush administration. These two administrations preferred not to address the underlying issues in Afghanistan, which was the regional power struggle. President Elect Trump’s more direct rhetoric may force nations to reconsider Pakistan’s dual motives as well.

“Yesterday evening, Afghan National Border Police (ANBP) confiscated 9310 kilos of Ammonium Nitrate, a key component used to make Improvised Explosive Devices,” the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said in a statement.

The statement further added that Ammonium Nitrate was placed in a Pakistani truck transporting to Afghanistan.

“The police searched the truck and found the Ammonium Nitrate in the Torkham port,” MoI said, adding that “The driver was arrested on accusation of this case.”

IEDs are considered as the major contributor to civilian casualties as the ordinary civilians are mostly targeted in such attacks.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said late in October it documented 8,397 conflict-related civilian casualties (2,562 deaths and 5,835 injured) between 1 January and 30 September.

The UN mission in its report said the latest civilian casualties report represents a one per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2015. Ground engagements remained the leading cause of civiliancasualties, followed by suicide and complex attacks, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“Increased fighting in densely populated areas makes it imperative for parties to take immediate steps to ensure all feasible precautions are being taken to spare civilians from harm,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/pakistan-truck-driver-arrested-in-torkham-9310kg-of-ammonium-nitrate-seized-02377/feed0India hands over another Mi-24 gunship to Afghan Air Forcehttp://www.khaama.com/india-hands-over-another-mi-24-gunship-to-afghan-air-force-02376
http://www.khaama.com/india-hands-over-another-mi-24-gunship-to-afghan-air-force-02376#respondSun, 27 Nov 2016 13:01:01 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72259 Read the full article...]]>India completed the delivery of the final Mi-24 gunship to the Afghan Air Force (AAF) as part of New Delhi’s ongoing reconstruction effort with the delivery of the 4 gunships marking the first lethal weaponry supply to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

The Afghan Air Force (AAF) said the last of the 4 Mi-24 gunships was delivered to the Afghan Air Force on Saturday.

AAF further added that a number of the Indian Air Force personnel also arrived in Kabul to complete the delivery of the final gunship to the Afghan forces.

This comes as diplomatic sources said late in August that “The fourth helicopter is yet to be transferred. It needs spares before it can be made fully operational and the spares have to come from Russia.”

The sources further added that efforts were on to fix the issue. “There was an issue with the spares. It is being sorted out. It should be delivered very soon,” a senior defence official said without specifying a timeframe.

Afghanistan received three of the four Mi-25 gunship helicopters from India late in the month of December last year and days before the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kabul.

The decision for the delivery of Mi-25 gunship helicopters was concluded during the recent visit of Afghan National Security Adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar to New Delhi.

India has remained one of the key donors for the reconstruction of Afghanistan following the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001.

Since 2002, the Government of India has committed USD 2 billion dollars to the socio-economic rebuilding of the Afghan state and society in accordance with the development priorities of the Government and the people of Afghanistan.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/india-hands-over-another-mi-24-gunship-to-afghan-air-force-02376/feed0Afghan Senate approves AFN465 billion in draft budget for fiscal year 1396http://www.khaama.com/afghan-senate-approves-afn465-billion-in-draft-budget-for-fiscal-year-02375
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-senate-approves-afn465-billion-in-draft-budget-for-fiscal-year-02375#respondSun, 27 Nov 2016 09:44:24 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72254 Read the full article...]]>The Afghan Senate House, Upper House of the Parliament, approved the draft budget for the fiscal year 1396 during the general session today.

The draft budget for the fiscal year 1396 includes AFN 287 for the ordinary budget and AFN 178 billion for the development budget as proposed by the Ministry of Finance of Afghanistan.

The lawmakers in the Upper House of the parliament approved the draft budget with some recommendations that include 23 development projects to be added in a bid to ensure fair and equal allocation of the funds.

According to the Ministry of Finance of Afghanistan, the government will allocate AFN 150 billion from the government resources while the remaining funds will be contributed by the international community.

The draft budget will be forwarded to the Lower House of the Parliament, Wolesi Jirga, with the approval of the Afghan senators.

However, the deputy house speaker in the Lower House, Zahir Qadir, had earlier warned that they will not approve the draft budget unless the Supreme Court does not accept the lawmakers decision for the disqualification of seven ministers.

The Afghan lawmakers in the Lower House dismissed the 7 ministers after they were impeached for the failure of spending more than 70 percent of their development budget.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/afghan-senate-approves-afn465-billion-in-draft-budget-for-fiscal-year-02375/feed0UK reaffirms long term support to Afghan government and security forceshttp://www.khaama.com/uk-reaffirms-long-term-support-to-afghan-government-and-security-forces-02374
http://www.khaama.com/uk-reaffirms-long-term-support-to-afghan-government-and-security-forces-02374#respondSun, 27 Nov 2016 07:03:02 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72251 Read the full article...]]>The United Kingdom reaffirmed support to continue supporting the training of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) within the framework of the NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission.

The British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson reaffirmed UK’s support during a visit to Afghanistan on Saturday.

He said UK remains committed to support Afghanistan in all sectors on long term basis.

Johnson also met with the Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah to discuss the issues of bilateral interest and other regional issues.

The United Kingdom funded the establishment of the Afghan National Army Officers Academy which was inaugurated in mid-2014.

The academy is sometimes referred to as ‘Sandhurst in the Sand’ as it’s modelled on the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in the UK.

The first group of over 240 students to attend the Afghan National Army Officer Academy graduated a year after the academy was inaugurated.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/uk-reaffirms-long-term-support-to-afghan-government-and-security-forces-02374/feed0Taliban’s Quetta Shura still based in Quetta city of Pakistan: Hayathttp://www.khaama.com/talibans-quetta-shura-still-based-in-quetta-city-of-pakistan-hayat-02373
http://www.khaama.com/talibans-quetta-shura-still-based-in-quetta-city-of-pakistan-hayat-02373#respondSun, 27 Nov 2016 06:11:45 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72248 Read the full article...]]>The leader ship council of the Taliban group, Quetta Shura, is still based in Quetta city of Pakistan, the provincial governor of southern Helmand province said.

Speaking to RFE/RL, Hayat said the movement of the leaders of the group between Helmand and Quetta cannot be rejected but their leadership council is still based in Quetta city.

Hayat further added that the top leaders of the group are still based in Quetta and Peshawar cities although movement of the group’s shadow governors and other leader cannot be rejected to provinces from the Pakistani cities.

This comes as the group’s spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid earlier told Associated Press that the members of the Quetta Shura had shifted to Helmand provinces some months ago.

A senior Taliban commander, Asad Afghan, also told to Associated Press the move would consolidate the insurgents’ military gains and help lay the ground for a dominant position if and when peace talks resume.

“We are in the last stages of war and are moving forward,” said Afghan, who is closely involved in formulating the insurgents’ war strategy.

“We are the real government in Afghanistan,” he said. The move across the border would give the movement “more focus” at a time it needs to be “quick, clear and more secure about our decisions.”

This comes as the Afghan officials earlier said the group is looking to shift its leadership council in Helmand province by intensifying attacks on key districts of the province.

However, Hayat said the group’s attempts to shift the Quetta Shura to Helmand have failed despite they launched numerous attacks to seize key areas of the province.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/talibans-quetta-shura-still-based-in-quetta-city-of-pakistan-hayat-02373/feed0Afghans likely among 77 killed in Iraq truck bombinghttp://www.khaama.com/afghans-likely-among-77-killed-in-iraq-truck-bombing-02371
http://www.khaama.com/afghans-likely-among-77-killed-in-iraq-truck-bombing-02371#respondSun, 27 Nov 2016 04:27:50 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72242 Read the full article...]]>The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan has launched an investigation regarding the possible casualties of the Afghan nationals in a deadly truck bombing in Iraq.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the ministry has launched an immediate investigation in coordination with the Embassy of Afghanistan in Baghdad after reports emerged that some Afghan nationals were among those killed or wounded in the attack.

Strongly condemning the attack that left at least 77 dead, the ministry said it will take immediate steps for the transfer of the deceased individuals and treatment of those who have sustained injuries.

MoFA said it is also in contact with the Embassy of Afghanistan in Tehran amid reports that some pilgrims injured in the attack have been transferred to the country.

The incident took place on Thursday after a truck packed with explosives was rammed into the convoy of the pilgrims at a petrol station and restaurant near Hilla, some 100 km (60 miles) south of Baghdad.

Several buses carrying pilgrims had stopped there on their way home from commemorating Arbaeen in the holy city of Karbala. Some 40 people were wounded.

According to reports, the meeting took place on the sidelines of an international summit organized in Turkmenistan.

The two leaders reportedly discussed issues of bilateral interest including the situation of the two countries and other regional issues.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reiterated Islamabad’s support to a lasting peace in Afghanistan, insisting that a peaceful Afghanistan will be in the best interest of Pakistan.

Sharif also added that the two countries are facing the menace of terrorism and emphasized on a joint effort to root out the terrorists.

The meeting takes place amid ups and downs in bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Afghan officials have long been skeptical regarding Islamabad’s role in the fight against terrorism as they criticize the country for supporting the Afghan militant groups.

In the meantime, reports emerged earlier today suggesting that the Pakistani Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif spoke with the Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah over the phone last night.

CEO Abdullah confirmed that Gen. Sharif called him on Saturday night for a farewell discussion but did not provide further information regarding the discussions.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/president-ghani-meets-nawaz-sharif-on-sidelines-of-turkmenistan-summit-02370/feed1ISIS plans to deploy 200 families in each district by disguising as refugees: Qadirhttp://www.khaama.com/isis-plans-to-deploy-200-families-in-each-district-by-disguising-as-refugees-qadir-02369
http://www.khaama.com/isis-plans-to-deploy-200-families-in-each-district-by-disguising-as-refugees-qadir-02369#respondSat, 26 Nov 2016 16:17:38 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72236 Read the full article...]]>The loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group plans to deploy at least 200 families in each district by disguising them as refugees, an Afghan lawmaker said Saturday.

Zahir Qadir, Deputy House Speaker, Lower House of the Parliament, Wolesi Jirga, said at least 1000 families belonging to the loyalists of the terror group in each district, warning that the control of the situation would become difficult if they managed to deploy the families in the districts.

He was speaking during a general session of the Lower House of the Parliament, Wolesi Jirga today.

Without elaborating further regarding his claim and the sources from which he got the information, Qadir criticized the government for remaining reckless in this regard.

Qadir further added that his information shows the loyalists of the terror group are planning to purchase land for the families.

This comes as Qadir earlier warned that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to establish the Khurasan Caliphate in Afghanistan and are busy expanding their presence in some of the difficult terrains of the country.

Speaking during a session of the parliament late last month, Qadir warned that the group will become successful in establishing the caliphate if they managed to seize control of Tora Bora in Nangarhar.

He said the loyalists of the terror group have managed to take control of a strategic area in Pacher Agam district.

According to Qadir, the area is a few hundred meters away from Tora Bora and the loyalists of the terror group will become successful if their attempts if they managed to expand foothold in Tora Bora.

He also claimed that helicopters are air dropping supplies including food and mineral water to the loyalists of the terror group in the areas under their control.

The remarks by Qadir came as the top US commander in Afghanistan earlier said the loyalists of the terrorist group are attempting to establish a caliphate inside Afghanistan.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/isis-plans-to-deploy-200-families-in-each-district-by-disguising-as-refugees-qadir-02369/feed0Taliban may have moved leadership council from Pakistan to Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/taliban-may-have-moved-leadership-council-from-pakistan-to-afghanistan-02368
http://www.khaama.com/taliban-may-have-moved-leadership-council-from-pakistan-to-afghanistan-02368#respondSat, 26 Nov 2016 09:57:26 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72234 Read the full article...]]>The top Taliban leaders in the group’s leadership council may have abandoned Pakistan and have likely moved to Afghanistan, it has been reported.

A spokesman for the group Zabiullah Mujahd confirmed to Associated Press that the leadership council was relocated some months ago.

Mujahid did not provide further information regarding the exact date and location within the country where the leadership council was relocated.

However, another Taliban official has said the council has been shifted to southern Helmand province of Afghanistan.

A senior Taliban commander, Asad Afghan, told The Associated Press the move would consolidate the insurgents’ military gains and help lay the ground for a dominant position if and when peace talks resume.

“We are in the last stages of war and are moving forward,” said Afghan, who is closely involved in formulating the insurgents’ war strategy.

“We are the real government in Afghanistan,” he said. The move across the border would give the movement “more focus” at a time it needs to be “quick, clear and more secure about our decisions.”

This comes as the Afghan officials earlier said the group is looking to shift its leadership council in Helmand province by intensifying attacks on key districts of the province.

The move if confirmed would reflect the growing international pressure as well as the Afghan government on Pakistan to take actions against the leadership councils of the Taliban and Haqqani network based in key cities of Pakistan, including Peshawar and Quetta.

The Afghan officials, including President Ghani, has on numerous occasions criticized Pakistan for remaining reckless to act against the group in its soil from where they plan and coordinate attacks in Afghanistan.

In an interview with a private TV channel few months earlier, President Ghani even went on to say that the Afghan government can even provide details regarding the addresses of the Taliban leadership council in Pakistan.

“Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Raheel Sharif made a phone call to Chief Executive Abdullah as a farewell discussion last night,” the Office of the Chief Executive said in a Twitter post.

No further details were given regarding the discussions between the two sides.

However, media reports emerging from Pakistan suggest that the two sides discussed improvement of bilateral ties between Kabul and Islamabad.

The Pakistani military informed regarding the retirement of Gen. Sharif last week with a spokesman for Inter Service Public Relations Gen. Asim Bajwa saying “COAS kicks off his farewell visits…”

The confirmation by the Pakistani military came amid rife speculation regarding an extension in the COAS’ term after former military ruler Musharraf called for an extension in his tenure, warning against a change in the military leadership.

Gen. Sharif is expected to pass on the baton of command of the army to the next army chief at a ceremony by the end of this month.

According to local media reports, Gen. Sharif would be the first army chief to retire on time in two decades. His predecessors Gen Kayani and Gen Pervez Musharraf got extensions, while Gen Jehangir Karamat was sent home prematurely.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/pakistans-army-chief-calls-abdullah-for-farewell-discussion-02367/feed0Afghanistan strongly reacts on Pakistani military ceremony along Durand Linehttp://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-strongly-reacts-on-pakistani-military-ceremony-along-durand-line-02366
http://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-strongly-reacts-on-pakistani-military-ceremony-along-durand-line-02366#respondSat, 26 Nov 2016 07:04:45 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72229 Read the full article...]]>Afghanistan showed a strong reaction on Pakistani military’s flag-lowering ceremony along the Durand Line, calling it an inappropriate, provocative, and against the previous bilateral commitments.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan (MoFA) said the Afghan government offers its strong protest regarding the flag-hoisting and a special ceremony by Pakistani military along the zero point of the Durand Line.

Warning that such ceremonies could deteriorate the relations between the two countries, MoFA said the relations between Kabul and Islamabad is in a sensitive situation and such moves could further spark tensions.

MoFA further added that the residents of the two sides of Durand Line are having historic brotherly relations, insisting that Pakistan should concentrate more on the fight against terrorism rather holding special military ceremonies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also protested regarding pressures brought on residents of the other side of Durand Line to obtain visa for travelling to Afghanistan.

The issue of Durand Line remains controversial between the two countries as Pakistan insists that the line is an international border and has been formally recognized by the international community, including the United States.

Tensions have intensified along the Durand Line on numerous occasions with the Afghan and Pakistani forces engaging a clash earlier in the month of July after the Afghan border forces prevented the Pakistani security forces to work on the construction of a gate in Torkham.

The two sides engaged in deadly clashes for at least three times before diplomatic efforts were put in place to resolve the issue through negotations.

Both the Afghan and Pakistani security forces suffered casualties during the clashes that led to the closure of the crossing.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-strongly-reacts-on-pakistani-military-ceremony-along-durand-line-02366/feed0Pakistanis among 5 ISIS militants killed in East of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/pakistanis-among-5-isis-militants-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-02365
http://www.khaama.com/pakistanis-among-5-isis-militants-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-02365#commentsSat, 26 Nov 2016 06:41:18 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72226 Read the full article...]]>At least five loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed during the joint operations in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

Local security officials said Pakistani identity cards, several weapons, including rocket launchers and machine guns were left in the area.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) also confirmed the operations were launched in Pacher Agam to clear the district from the militants presence.

“Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched a joint clearance operation in the Pachiragam district of eastern Nangarhar province,” a statement by MoI said.

The statement further added “As a result of this joint operation, five Daesh terrorists were killed and four other Daesh terrorists were wounded.”

“During the raid, join forces seized one rocket launcher, five different types of rifles and some amount of ammunitions,” the statement said, adding that the the clearance operation still continues in insecure villages of Pachiragam district.

The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the report so far.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/pakistanis-among-5-isis-militants-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-02365/feed2Afghanistan recovers National Security Council website a hour after it was hackedhttp://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-recovers-national-security-council-website-a-hour-after-it-was-hacked-02362
http://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-recovers-national-security-council-website-a-hour-after-it-was-hacked-02362#respondSat, 26 Nov 2016 04:54:54 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72217 Read the full article...]]>The website of the National Security Council of Afghanistan (NSC) was hacked by anonymous hackers on Friday but the government managed to recover by taking immediate actions against the cyber attack.

NSC spokesman Tawab Ghorzan said “The Official website of Office of National Security Council (ONSC) was hacked today. Our technical team has recovered it within an hour &working to improve its security blocks.”

Ghorzang further added that the ONSC official website has been under development since last 2months in terms of design and contents. It was uploaded and live since last 3 days.

“It is an evil cyber terrorist act. Our technical and cyber teams are working to identify all those who tried to hack and enter ONSC website,” he added.

He said “Once identified and discovered by our cyber teams, they will be punished according to rules and law of Afghanistan.”

The hackers released a graphic picture after hacking the website on Friday.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-recovers-national-security-council-website-a-hour-after-it-was-hacked-02362/feed05 killed, 27 wounded in three back to back explosions in Jalalabad cityhttp://www.khaama.com/5-killed-27-wounded-in-three-back-to-back-explosions-in-jalalabad-city-02361
http://www.khaama.com/5-killed-27-wounded-in-three-back-to-back-explosions-in-jalalabad-city-02361#respondFri, 25 Nov 2016 15:27:15 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72214 Read the full article...]]>At least 5 people were killed and 27 others were wounded in a series of explosions in Jalalabad city, the provincial capital of eastern Nangarhar province.

Provincial government officials said the incident took place today in the 2nd police district of the city targeting a top security official who was killed in the attack.

The officials further added that the target of the explosion was the chief of the detention center of the provincial jail who was killed along with his son in the attack.

Provincial governor’s spokesman Ataullah Khogyani said the second blast took place targeted the convoy of the security forces as they were on their way to the blast site.

Khogyani further added that the third blast took place in the same area where the first blast took place as the security forces had gathered and cordoned off the area.

No group has so far claimed responsibility behind the back to back explosions so far.

Nangarhar is among the relatively peaceful provinces in eastern Afghanistan but the anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents and loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group are actively operating in a number of its remote districts.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/5-killed-27-wounded-in-three-back-to-back-explosions-in-jalalabad-city-02361/feed0Taliban leader among 4 killed in Nangarhar provincehttp://www.khaama.com/taliban-leader-among-4-killed-in-nangarhar-province-02360
http://www.khaama.com/taliban-leader-among-4-killed-in-nangarhar-province-02360#respondFri, 25 Nov 2016 08:36:43 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72211 Read the full article...]]>A commander of the Taliban group was among at least four militants killed during clashes and military operations in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The provincial police commandment in a statement said a commander of the Taliban group identified as Ghorzang was killed during a clash with the security forces in Hesarak district.

The statement further added that two more militants were also wounded during the clashes.

According to the provincial police commandment, at least two militants were killed when an explosive device went off prematurely in the same district.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the reports so far.

This comes as the Afghan security forces arrested the explosives expert of the Taliban group in this province last month.

According to the local security officials, the detained Taliban expert has been identified as Ghulam Akbar who is originally a resident of Rodat distrit of Nangarhar.

The officials further added that was previously wounded in a premature explosion and resumed his operations to manufacture improvised explosive devices after he recovered.

The Taliban militants and insurgents belong to other militant groups frequently use homemade improvised explosive devices to target the security forces and government officials and employees.

However, in majority of such attacks, the ordinary civilians are targeted as the Taliban group is accused of causing the majority of civilian casualties.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/taliban-leader-among-4-killed-in-nangarhar-province-02360/feed02 militants blown by own explosives in East of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/2-militants-blown-by-own-explosives-in-east-of-afghanistan-02359
http://www.khaama.com/2-militants-blown-by-own-explosives-in-east-of-afghanistan-02359#respondFri, 25 Nov 2016 05:52:54 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72209 Read the full article...]]>At least two militants were killed in an explosion triggered by own explosives in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The provincial police commandment said the incident took place in Ghani Khel district on Thursday, leaving two militants dead and two others wounded.

A commander of the militants identified as Lal Mohammad was also among those killed in the explosion.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

Nangarhar is among the relatively peaceful provinces in eastern Afghanistan but the anti-government armed militants including the Taliban insurgents and loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group are actively operating in a number of its remote districts.

The anti-government armed militants including the Taliban insurgents frequently use Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as the weapon of their choice to target the security forces and government officials.

However, in majority of such incidents the ordinary civilians are targeted besides incurring casualties to the security forces.

In some cases the militants are killed by their own explosives which go off prematurely, normally when they plant an explosive device or while manufacturing them.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/2-militants-blown-by-own-explosives-in-east-of-afghanistan-02359/feed0Taliban celebrate graduation of the latest brain-washed recruitshttp://www.khaama.com/taliban-celebrate-graduation-of-the-latest-brain-washed-recruits-02358
http://www.khaama.com/taliban-celebrate-graduation-of-the-latest-brain-washed-recruits-02358#respondFri, 25 Nov 2016 04:46:19 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72206 Read the full article...]]>The Taliban militants group in Afghanistan released several photographs which purportedly show the graduation of scores of new brain-washed recruits as the group has been unleashing deadly attacks across the country since the regime was toppled down in 2001.

The group released the latest propaganda photographs amid reports that the leadership of the group is considering options to resume peace talks with the Afghan government and foreigners.

According to the group, the pictures were taken during the training of the militants in Khalid Bin Walid Training Camp, showing the Taliban fighters brandishing weapons and taking part in target practice.

The camouflaged militants appearing in the photographs are believed to have undergone a 45-day training course in the camp to learn military skills and strict implementation of Sharia law.

According to a statement released by the group “150 graduates had ‘shone brightly on the battlefields and have been touted by military commanders for their military skill.”

This comes as the Haqqani terrorist network released a similar video late last year which purportedly showed a training camp run by the terror group along with advertisements of the Taliban group’s relationship with al Qaeda terrorist network.

The network leaders assumed key posts following the death of Taliban found and Supreme Leader Mullah Mohammad Omar.

The Haqqani terrorist network is accused of staging numerous cross-border attacks from their base in North Waziristan, including the 19-hour siege at the US Embassy in Kabul in September 2011.

Haqqani network was formed in the late 1970s by Jalaluddin Haqqani. The group is allied with al-Qaida and the Afghan Taliban and cooperates with other terrorist organizations in the region.

The network is considered the most lethal insurgent group targeting the NATO-led coalition security forces and Afghan personnel in Afghanistan.

The US Department of State designated the HQN as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on September 7, 2012.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/taliban-celebrate-graduation-of-the-latest-brain-washed-recruits-02358/feed0Clash among police forces leaves at least 4 dead in Kandahar cityhttp://www.khaama.com/clash-among-police-forces-leaves-at-least-4-dead-in-kandahar-city-02357
http://www.khaama.com/clash-among-police-forces-leaves-at-least-4-dead-in-kandahar-city-02357#respondThu, 24 Nov 2016 17:26:05 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72202 Read the full article...]]>At least four policemen lost their lives during infighting in the southern Kandahar city of Afghanistan, local officials said.

The incident took place this afternoon in the 4th police district of Kandahar city, apparently due to a brawl among the policemen.

Provincial governor’s spokesman Samim Khpolwak confirmed the incident but did not comment regarding the main motive that led to the infighting.

He also did not comment regarding the number of the policemen killed or wounded during the clash.

However, another security official confirmed that four policemen lost their lives and at least four others sustained injuries.

The official said an investigation is underway regarding the reason behind the clash.

Kandahar is among the relatively peaceful provinces in southern Afghanistan despite the province is the birth place of the Taliban group.

The security situation has dramatically improved during the recent months in this province amid rampant Taliban-led insurgency in the neighboring provinces, specifically the southern Helmand province.

In the meantime, the infighting among the security forces is not rare as numerous incidents have been reported in the past as well besides insider attacks are on the rise in some restive provinces.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/clash-among-police-forces-leaves-at-least-4-dead-in-kandahar-city-02357/feed0US airstrike kill 2 ISIS militants, Afghan forces arrest 3 more in Nangarharhttp://www.khaama.com/us-airstrike-kill-2-isis-militants-afghan-forces-arrest-3-more-in-nangarhar-02355
http://www.khaama.com/us-airstrike-kill-2-isis-militants-afghan-forces-arrest-3-more-in-nangarhar-02355#respondThu, 24 Nov 2016 12:50:13 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72195 Read the full article...]]>At least two loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed in an airstrike conducted by the US forces in Afghanistan.

The provincial security officials said the airstrike was carried out late on Wednesday evening in Achin district.

The officials further added that the airstrike did not incur any casualties to the local residents.

According to the officials, the militants were targeted by the unmanned aerial vehicle in Pekha area of Achin district.

In the meantime, the Afghan forces arrested at least three loyalist of the terror group during an operation in Haska Mina district.

The local officials said the militants were arrested in Ghalni area based on intelligence information provided to them.

The loyalists of the terror group have not commented regarding the report so far.

Both the Afghan and US forces conducted regular strikes against the loyalists of the terror group in this province.

The increased raids, usually involving drone strikes, by the US forces followed a broader role granted by the Obama administration earlier this year.

The broader role was granted amid concerns that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to expand foothold in the country and turn the eastern Nangarhar province into a regional operational hub for its fighters.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/us-airstrike-kill-2-isis-militants-afghan-forces-arrest-3-more-in-nangarhar-02355/feed0US increase contribution to $207 million for Afghan humanitarian responsehttp://www.khaama.com/us-increase-contribution-to-207-million-for-afghan-humanitarian-response-02354
http://www.khaama.com/us-increase-contribution-to-207-million-for-afghan-humanitarian-response-02354#respondThu, 24 Nov 2016 10:34:11 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72193 Read the full article...]]>The United States increased its contribution to $207 by pledging a new aid package of $39 million to Afghan human humanitarian response.

“The United States is pleased to announce that it is providing over $39 million to meet the extraordinary needs of Afghan refugees returning to Afghanistan. This brings the total U.S. contribution to the Afghan humanitarian response to more than $207 million since the beginning of FY 2016,” a statement by the State Department said.

The statement further added “Since January 2016, more than 380,000 registered Afghan refugees have returned home to Afghanistan. This funding includes more than $19 million in support for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to help address the urgent needs of these vulnerable individuals, including by providing them with shelter, essential household items, and supplies for winter.”

“The United States is also providing $20 million to the World Food Program’s Afghanistan Emergency Operation targeting vulnerable returnees and refugees in eastern Afghanistan and people displaced by conflict,” the State Department said, adding that “This response to the World Food Program’s recent special appeal for these populations represents enough to serve 548,000 people for nine months.”

“These vulnerable people urgently need the international community’s assistance and support in the coming winter months. The United States urges all countries to contribute the remaining funds still needed for UN humanitarian appeals for Afghanistan,” the statement said.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/us-increase-contribution-to-207-million-for-afghan-humanitarian-response-02354/feed0Female Afghan cadets receiving modern training in Turkey including snipinghttp://www.khaama.com/female-afghan-cadets-receiving-modern-training-in-turkey-including-sniping-02353
http://www.khaama.com/female-afghan-cadets-receiving-modern-training-in-turkey-including-sniping-02353#respondThu, 24 Nov 2016 10:03:47 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72190 Read the full article...]]>A group of 250 female police cadets from Afghanistan are busy receiving modern training in Turkey as the Afghan government in cooperation with the international community is attempting to increase the number of female police forces in the country.

The 250 female police cadets are part of the 5th batch being trained in Sivas Police Academy, formed in 2011 following the conclusion of an agreement between Kabul and Ankara to provide training opportunities for the female Afghan police cadets.

According to the State-run Anadolu news agency, the female cadets are receiving modern training, including policing compliance, use of wireless technologies, defense tactics, use of different small weapons, first aid, moral and values, identification of challenges the policewomen could face, supporting the victims of an incident, explosives ordnance disposal, counter-terrorism, and other training including leadership.

One of the female cadets Sima Gul told the newspaper that she is being trained to become a sniper as she revealed regarding her passion to defend the country against the militants and terrorists using her sniping skills.

Gul said she joined the academy along with the female cadets as the government is attempting to increase the number of female police forces and described her desire to serve the country with the other male and female police officers by becoming a professional sniper.

Another female police cadet Fawzia Beg Oghlo emphasized on the need of female police officers to fill the gap in the conservative society of Afghanistan.

Emphasizing on the key role of police to ensure order in the society, Oghlo said the training provided in Sivas Police Academy is exactly what the Afghan society needs.

She said she will start fighting for the right of the Afghan women by completing her training and becoming a symbol for the other women of the country.

A female cadet from the southeastern Ghazni province Najiba Haidary said she was encouraged by her mother and young brother to join the police forces.

Mariam Qalandari meanwhile says she wants to fill the gap for the presence of female police officers who are mainly required during the checking as she eyes to assume charge in criminal investigation department of Ghazni province.

The training of the female cadets in Turkey are being conducted with the support of Turkey, USA, NATO, and Japan with the supervision of the General Command of Police of Turkey, Ministry of Interior of Afghanistan, and A-NTM.

A group of 490 female candidates joined the first batch of the training on 14th July 2011 and were graduated on 13th January 2012.

The second batch provided training for a group of 482 candidates, the third batch covered 486 candidates, while 496 candidates were trained in the fourth batch.

The first round of professional training of the female cadets concluded on 25th March 2014 after 94 cadets joined the course on 6th January of the same year.

The second round of the professional training included 190 cadets who graduated on 27th February 2015, the third included 389 cadets, while 80 cadets of the special forces wing of the Afghan police were trained in the 4th round of the professional training course.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/female-afghan-cadets-receiving-modern-training-in-turkey-including-sniping-02353/feed0Afghan intelligence warned US twice before deadly Bagram attackhttp://www.khaama.com/afghan-intelligence-warned-us-twice-before-deadly-bagram-attack-02352
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-intelligence-warned-us-twice-before-deadly-bagram-attack-02352#respondThu, 24 Nov 2016 08:45:08 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72188 Read the full article...]]>The Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), warned the US military at least twice before a deadly attack in Bagram airbase, one of the largest US-run airfield in the country, it has been reported.

Government and security sources have told Reuters that the western forces were alerted regarding a possible suicide attack by an employee working in the base.

The officials further added that the Afghan intelligence had sought information regarding the employees of the base to check for suspicious people but the request was rejected.

At least 4 people were killed and 17 others were wounded in the attack that took place earlier this month.

The United States Department of State confirmed ten days ago that two US soldiers and two US contractors were killed in the suicide attack in Bagram airfield.

State Department Press Office Director, Elizabeth Trudeau, said “In Afghanistan, we also strongly condemn the suicide attack on coalition personnel at Bagram Airfield this weekend that killed two U.S. service members and two U.S. contractors, and injured 16 other U.S. service members and one Polish soldier participating in the NATO mission.”

The Taliban militants group in Afghanistan claimed responsibility behind the attack with the reports suggesting that the suicide bomber was a former Taliban group member who had joined reconciliation process.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/afghan-intelligence-warned-us-twice-before-deadly-bagram-attack-02352/feed0Several Afghan soldiers rescued a year after kidnapped by Talibanhttp://www.khaama.com/over-12-afghan-soldiers-rescued-a-year-after-kidnapped-by-taliban-02351
http://www.khaama.com/over-12-afghan-soldiers-rescued-a-year-after-kidnapped-by-taliban-02351#respondThu, 24 Nov 2016 07:35:16 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72185 Read the full article...]]>Several soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA) forces abducted by the Taliban militants were rescued in northern Faryab province.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said the soldiers were released late on Wednesday night in Pashtunkot district.

MoD further added that the soldiers were kidnapped a year ago after a helicopter belonging to the Afghan army made an emergency landing in Pashtunkot.

No further details were given regarding the exact number of the soldiers rescued and circumstances surrounding their release.

The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.

The provincial officials said late in November last year that 13 soldiers were taken away by the Taliban militants after the helicopter made emergency landing.

Faryab is among the relatively volatile provinces in northern Afghanistan where anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating in a number of its districts and often carry out insurgency activities.

The incident in Faryab followed almost two months after at least seventeen people were killed in an Afghan army helicopter crash in southern Zabul province of Afghanistan.

The deaths included five crew members on the Russian-made helicopter along with 12 soldiers being transported to a new post.

The incident took place late on Tuesday evening in Shahrak district as the two female teachers were on their way to the provincial capital to participate in a program.

The district administrative chief Mohammad Kabir confirmed the incident and said the two female teachers were originally hailing from the southeastern Ghanzi province.

Kabir further added that the militants operating under the command of Mullah Gul Mohammad abducted the two teachers.

The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.

Both the Taliban insurgents and loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group are actively operating in a number of the remote districts f Ghor province.

The ISIS loyalists killed over 30 civilians after abducting them in this province earlier this month and abducted 6 more civilians few days later.

According to the officials, the ISIS loyalists executed the civilians to avenge the killing of their commanders who was killed during a gun battle in this province.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/taliban-militants-abduct-2-female-teachers-in-ghor-province-02350/feed0Taliban mulls peace talks resumption, condemn Ghani for seeking UN sanctionshttp://www.khaama.com/taliban-mulls-peace-talks-resumption-condemn-ghani-for-seeking-un-sanctions-02349
http://www.khaama.com/taliban-mulls-peace-talks-resumption-condemn-ghani-for-seeking-un-sanctions-02349#respondThu, 24 Nov 2016 05:23:19 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72181 Read the full article...]]>The Taliban militants group leadership is mulling to resume peace talks with the foreign stakeholders and the Afghan government, it has been reported.

The officials in Taliban’s political office in Qatar have informed regarding the possible resumption of peace talks.

“We are now exploring the options for talks with foreign stakeholders, as well as with the Afghan side,” a Taliban leader has told The Express Tribune in an interview from Qatar.

The Taliban leader further added “It will be a national level decision. The consultation process was strong. The Taliban military commanders, who had not been on-board earlier, have also been taken into confidence. I would say the consultation process was initiated at the grassroots level this time,” he said.

He rejected the notion that the Taliban want a military solution to the Afghan problem. “We want a non-military solution,” he added.

Condemning President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani’s recent move to seek UN sanctions on Taliban chief Maulvi Haibatullah, the Taliban leader said “We think that the Kabul administration’s efforts are aimed at creating hurdles in the way of peace. We view such acts as anti-peace. It seems the government leaders do not show sincerity in the political process,” he said.

President Ghani urged a delegation of the United Nations Security Council to include the Taliban leader Mawlavi Haibatullah Akhundzada’s name in Sanctions list.

The request was made during a meeting in capital Kabul as the UNSC delegation had visited the country to meet the Afghan officials.

The Afghan government adopted a strict stance against the Taliban group and other insurgent groups after they rejected direct peace talks plea and decided to pursue violence by announcing their spring offensive in mid-April this year.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/taliban-mulls-peace-talks-resumption-condemn-ghani-for-seeking-un-sanctions-02349/feed0Explosion targets private vehicle in Kabul Golden Cityhttp://www.khaama.com/explosion-targets-private-vehicle-in-kabul-golden-city-02348
http://www.khaama.com/explosion-targets-private-vehicle-in-kabul-golden-city-02348#respondThu, 24 Nov 2016 04:29:45 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72176 Read the full article...]]>An explosion was reported in Golden City in capital Kabul late on Wednesday evening with preliminary reports suggesting at least one person was wounded.

Security officials in Police District#8 of the city confirmed the incident but not comment regarding the casualties.

Eyewitnesses in the area said the magnetic bomb was planted in the vehicle of a businessman who sustained injuries in the attack.

Photos emerging from the site of the blast on social media show the vehicle covered in fire following the incident.

No group including the Taliban insurgents has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident which comes amid a sharp rise in magnetic bombings in the capital.

Last evening’s incident in Golden City took place days after a deadly suicide attack targeted a mosque in the west of Kabul city, leaving at least 32 people dead and scores of others wounded.

The loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group claimed responsibility behind the attack.

The attack on Baqir-ul-Olum mosque took place almost one and half month after a similar attack ripped through a shrine in Kabul city, leaving at least 18 dead and several others wounded.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/explosion-targets-private-vehicle-in-kabul-golden-city-02348/feed08 militants killed in an airstrike in Helmand provincehttp://www.khaama.com/8-militants-killed-in-an-airstrike-in-helmand-province-02347
http://www.khaama.com/8-militants-killed-in-an-airstrike-in-helmand-province-02347#respondWed, 23 Nov 2016 12:33:02 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72174 Read the full article...]]>At least 8 militants were killed in an airstrike in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Wednesday.

According to MoD, the airstrike was carried out in Lashkargah city, the provincial capital of southern Helmand province.

MoD further added that the airstrike was carried out during the clearance operation and as a result at least 13 militants were also wounded.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Interior (MoI), in a statement said “In past 24 hours, Afghan National Police conducted several anti-terrorism joint operations with Afghan National Army and NDS to clear some of the areas from terrorists and enemies of peace and stability of Afghanistan.”

The statement further added that the operations were conducted in Helmand and Nangarhar provinces and as a result eight armed militants were killed, five wounded and six others were arrested by joint forces.

“Also, during these operations, Afghan National Security Forces discovered and confiscated light and heavy rounds of ammunition,” MoI added.

The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the report so far.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/8-militants-killed-in-an-airstrike-in-helmand-province-02347/feed02 more senior security officials suspended after Kabul mosque attackhttp://www.khaama.com/2-more-senior-security-officials-suspended-after-kabul-mosque-attack-02346
http://www.khaama.com/2-more-senior-security-officials-suspended-after-kabul-mosque-attack-02346#respondWed, 23 Nov 2016 10:08:39 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72172 Read the full article...]]>The Ministry of Interior of Afghanistan (MoI) has suspended two more senior security officials in Kabul’s Police District#6 following a deadly attack on a mosque.

MoI said the two senior security officials were suspended after four officials were suspended on Tuesday afternoon.

According to MoI, the two suspended officials include the head of regional control of PD#6 and head of the intelligence of the same police district.

This comes as MoI announced late on Tuesday that four senior security officials, including the security chief of PD#6, head of the Criminal Investigation Department of PD#6, and counter-terrorism chief of the district.

A delegation was also formed and was given the task to investigate the deadly attack on Baqir-ul-Olum mosque in PD#6, MoI said, adding that the delegation has been given a 24-hour deadline to complete their investigation.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group claimed responsibility behind the attack.

According to security and public health officials, at least 32 people were killed and over 80 others were wounded in the attack which was the second largest on Shi’ite Muslims in the city in less than two months.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/2-more-senior-security-officials-suspended-after-kabul-mosque-attack-02346/feed03 ISIS loyalists arrested in Jalalabad city by Afghan police forceshttp://www.khaama.com/3-isis-loyalists-arrested-in-jalalabad-city-by-afghan-police-forces-02345
http://www.khaama.com/3-isis-loyalists-arrested-in-jalalabad-city-by-afghan-police-forces-02345#respondWed, 23 Nov 2016 09:29:52 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72169 Read the full article...]]>A group of three people were arrested by the Afghan police forces in Jalalabad city for having links with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group.

The provincial police commandment in a statement said the three men were arrested during a special military operation conducted in the 4th police district of the city.

The statements further added that the suspects were taken by the police forces and are custody of the Special Forces unit for further investigation.

The loyalists of the terror group have not commented regarding the report so far.

The ISIS loyalists are actively operating in a number of the remote districts of eastern Nangarhar province as they attempt to expand foothold in this province and other parts of the country.

However, they continue to face pressures as the Afghan forces and US forces based in Afghanistan conduct regular operations against the terror group.

The increased raids followed amid concerns that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to establish the Khurasan Caliphate and turn the province into operational base of the group.

In the meantime, the loyalists of the terror group have increased attacks on Shi’ite minorities in some key provinces, including capital Kabul during the recent months.

Scores of people of were killed and hundreds of others were wounded as the group unleashed some major attacks in capital Kabul in the past 3 months.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/3-isis-loyalists-arrested-in-jalalabad-city-by-afghan-police-forces-02345/feed0Man arrested for raping 9-year-old girl in North of Afghanistanhttp://www.khaama.com/man-arrested-for-raping-9-year-old-girl-in-north-of-afghanistan-02344
http://www.khaama.com/man-arrested-for-raping-9-year-old-girl-in-north-of-afghanistan-02344#respondWed, 23 Nov 2016 07:51:15 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72167 Read the full article...]]>A man has been arrested over alleged rape of a 9-year-old girl in northern Sar-e-Pul province of Afghanistan, local official said Wednesday.

Provincial governor’s spokesman Zabiullah Amani said the 36-year-old suspect was arrested during an operation on Tuesday.

He said the man is accused of raping the child in Shiram are who allegedly forced into the house of the girl and subjected her to sexual violence.

Amani further added that the incident took place last week as the family of the girl was out of the house.

According to Amani, the suspect has been identified as Gulbuddin and is currently in custody of the police as his case has been referred to the provincial attorney general for the trial.

This is not the first time the minor girls have became the victim of sexual violence in the country.

A 10-year-old girl was also raped by a man in Kohistanat district of Sar-e-Pul province nearly two months ago.

According to the local officials, the man managed to flee the area after raping the girl and a search operation is underway to arrest the culprit.

Speaking during a ceremony to mark the International Day for the elimination of violence against women, Minister Nazari said the Afghan women continue to face issues despite numerous projects have been implemented to improve the condition of the women.

Calling on the government leaders to support the law on elimination of violence against women, Nazari said the government must step up efforts to ascertain the main motives leading to violence against women.

She also urged for the censorship of the identities of the victims of violence against women, specifically those facing sexual violence and are raped.

In the meantime, Chief Executive Abdullah said the persistent violence against women will bar them from providing care to their family and children.

Admitting that the women face difficulties to pursue justice for the violence they face, Abdullah said the current situation being faced by the women is not acceptable as he insisted on a national mobilization to resolve the issue.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in his turn said the issue of violence against women is serious and called on the Afghan people to start a campaign in elimination of violence against women, emphasizing that the issue is against the Islamic teachings and law.

He said the Afghan women are also the first class citizens of the country, similar as men and called on Ulemas to include the campaign in eliminating violence against women in their agenda and start awareness regarding the issue via mosques and other religious gatherings.

“This signals a new phase in the rebuilding of trust in the electoral institutions and process,” the UN mission said in a statement.

The statement further added “The Mission acknowledges the critical task of expediting electoral reforms on the basis of the legal framework and moving forward with electoral preparations. The commissions have an important responsibility to establish a realistic electoral timeline in order to uphold the Afghan people’s constitutional right to participate in elections. UNAMA encourages the commissions to work with all stakeholders in an inclusive, transparent and impartial manner.”

The UN mission issued the statement hours after the newly-appointed electoral commissioners were sworn in during a major ceremony organized in ARG Presidential Palace on Tuesday.

The swearing ceremony was attended by several high level government officials including President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullha Abdullah.

The newly-appointed electoral commissioners were sworn in days after the final list of the candidates was handed over to President Ghani by the Selection Committee.

The formation of the Selection Committee was part of the agreement for the formation of the Government of National Unity.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah agreed to bring reforms in the election commission of Afghanistan with the formation of Government of National Unity.

The decision was taken following the controversial presidential election in 2014 which was marred by massive fraud allegations.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/unama-welcomes-new-appointments-to-electoral-commission-by-afghan-govt-02341/feed0Top security officials suspended in PD#6 after deadly Kabul attackhttp://www.khaama.com/top-security-officials-suspended-pd6-after-deadly-kabul-attack-02340
http://www.khaama.com/top-security-officials-suspended-pd6-after-deadly-kabul-attack-02340#respondTue, 22 Nov 2016 13:25:03 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72153 Read the full article...]]>The Ministry of Interior of Afghanistan (MoI) suspended top security officials following a deadly attack in Kabul that left at least 32 dead.

MoI said four senior security officials in the 6th police district of the city were suspended after the attack.

According to a statement by MoI, the four senior officials were suspended following a meeting of the leadership of the Ministry of Interior.

The statement further added that the suspended officials include the security chief of PD#6, head of the Criminal Investigation Department of PD#6, the intelligence chief, and counter-terrorism chief of the same police district.

A delegation was also formed and was given the task to investigate the deadly attack on Baqir-ul-Olum mosque in PD#6, MoI said, adding that the delegation has been given a 24-hour deadline to complete their investigation.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group claimed responsibility behind the attack.

According to security and public health officials, at least 32 people were killed and over 80 others were wounded in the attack which was the second largest on Shi’ite Muslims in the city in less than two months.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/top-security-officials-suspended-pd6-after-deadly-kabul-attack-02340/feed0China increases funds for Afghanistan housing project by CNY 1 billionhttp://www.khaama.com/china-increases-funds-for-afghanistan-housing-project-by-cny-1-billion-02339
http://www.khaama.com/china-increases-funds-for-afghanistan-housing-project-by-cny-1-billion-02339#respondTue, 22 Nov 2016 12:33:51 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72151 Read the full article...]]>China has increased the budget for the Afghanistan housing project by Chinese Yuan (CNY) 1 billion, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing announced Tuesday.

Previously, China had pledged CNY 500 million for the housing project to be built in Kabul, consisting 10,000 housing units.

The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing said the revised budget committed by China was announced during a meeting between Minister Syed Sadat Mansoor Naderi and the Chinese delegation.

The Chinese delegation expressed optimisms regarding the standard and on time implementation of the work by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing as they announced the revision of the budget from CNY 500 million to CNY 1.5 billion.

In his turn, Minister Naderi said one of the phases of the project must be built in another province of Afghanistan in a bid to ensure balance in implementing the development projects.

Minister Naderi said earlier this month that the foundation stone for the construction of 10,000 housing units with China’s support will be laid in the near future as he informed regarding conclusion of the technical and design assessment of the project.

He informed regarding the inauguration of the construction work of the project at the opening of the 3rd Urban National Conference in Kabul on 7th November, which was organized to review the challenges achievements in housing sector of the country.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/china-increases-funds-for-afghanistan-housing-project-by-cny-1-billion-02339/feed0Afghan Air Force to get bomb building, weapons storage facilities in Mazarhttp://www.khaama.com/afghan-air-force-to-get-bomb-building-weapons-storage-facilities-in-mazar-02338
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-air-force-to-get-bomb-building-weapons-storage-facilities-in-mazar-02338#commentsTue, 22 Nov 2016 10:21:31 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72148 Read the full article...]]>The Afghan Air Force (AAF) is expecting to get bomb building and weapons storage facilities in Mazar-e-Sharif, the provincial capital of northern Balkh province of Afghanistan.

The US Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) said a loading area for aircraft is also in the plan with the construction work expected to kick off in December.

According to a news release by AFCENT, safety advisors from Train, Advise, Assist Command-Air (TAAC-Air) traveled from Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, to Mazar-e-Sharif for a site survey of Afghan Air Force weapons facilities Nov. 17, 2016.

Master Sgt. Antran Pack, weapons safety advisor, and Master Sgt. Rick Page, occupational safety advisor, both TAAC-Air personnel, made the trip to see what facilities the AAF uses now and to get an idea of planned construction.

“We are here to tour the AAF munitions storage area site and see the construction area of the planned munitions area,” said Pack. “We also met with the Army Corps of Engineers to look at the blueprints to get an idea of the layout.”

The munitions field depot, scheduled to start construction in December, will increase AAF capabilities.

“The new facilities will give the Afghans the ability to take the lead of maintaining and storing bombs and rockets,” said Maj. Michael Lopez, TAAC-Air detachment commander.

Building an area for assembling and storing weapons is the next step in the AAF being able to maintain their ability to take the fight to the enemy.

“Afghans here build the bombs and fly the planes during combat missions,” said Lopez. “Mazar-e-Sharif is the first forward operating location where the Afghan Air Force is managing the entire mission.”

The construction on the weapons area will include a bomb building facility, weapons storage facilities, and a loading area for aircraft is scheduled to be complete in July.

Nangarhar police said the security forces confiscated a suicide bombing vest and various other types of explosives from the house of the detained militant.

According to a statement by Nangarhar police, the detained Taliban expert has been identified as Ghulam Akbar who is originally a resident of Rodat distrit of Nangarhar.

The statement further added that Akbar was previously wounded in a premature explosion and resumed his operations to manufacture improvised explosive devices after he recovered.

Akbar is currently in the custody of the security and an investigation is underway by the security forces, the statement added.

The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.

The Taliban militants and insurgents belong to other militant groups frequently use homemade improvised explosive devices to target the security forces and government officials and employees.

However, in majority of such attacks, the ordinary civilians are targeted as the Taliban group is accused of causing the majority of civilian casualties.

At least 11 people were killed and 12 others including the bride were wounded in a roadside bomb explosion in northern Faryba province of Afghanistan earlier this month.

]]>http://www.khaama.com/talibans-explosives-expert-arrested-in-nangarhar-province-02337/feed23 militants arrested in Laghman disguised as refugees returning from Peshawarhttp://www.khaama.com/3-militants-arrested-in-laghman-disguised-as-refugees-returning-from-peshawar-02336
http://www.khaama.com/3-militants-arrested-in-laghman-disguised-as-refugees-returning-from-peshawar-02336#respondTue, 22 Nov 2016 07:40:29 +0000http://www.khaama.com/?p=72142 Read the full article...]]>A group of three militants disguised among the refugees returning from Peshawar were arrested in eastern Laghman province of Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said the militants belonged to Taliban group were on their way to Laghman for coordinating attacks.

MoI further added that a Laptop computer, a thumb drive, a CD, and over 100 documents were confiscated from the detained militants.

The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.

This comes as the Afghan officials have long been criticizing Pakistan for allowing the anti-government armed militant groups to use its soil for planning and coordinating attacks in Afghanistan.

According to the officials, the leadership councils of the Taliban group and the notorious Haqqani terrorist network are based in Quetta and Peshawar cities of Pakistan.

However, the Pakistani officials have long been rejecting the claims made by the Afghan officials although some senior Pakistani officials have confessed that they have influence on the Taliban group based in the country.

Pakistan’s foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz admitted earlier this year that Islamabad has influence on the Taliban group and could use certain leverages including the facilities used by the group to pursue the group to join peace process.